tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45396743715812667022018-01-18T15:14:46.988-08:00Spartan ChickedCarrie Connorsnoreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4539674371581266702.post-75789016732549754072012-11-30T08:17:00.000-08:002012-11-30T08:17:49.515-08:00Spartan Chicked Holiday Gift Swap! <br /><div style="background-color: white; border: none; color: #151515; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">by&nbsp;<a href="http://www.whatabeautifulwreck.com/" style="border: none; color: #dc0000; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">Aja Varney</a>, Guest Blogger</div><div style="background-color: white; border: none; color: #151515; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://blog.spartanrace.com/spartan-chicked-gift-swap/320189_10150999730031861_1220534654_n/" rel="attachment wp-att-9327" style="border: none; color: #dc0000; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-thumbnail wp-image-9327" height="150" src="http://blog.spartanrace.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/320189_10150999730031861_1220534654_n-150x150.jpg" style="border: none; display: block; margin: 0px auto; max-width: 100%; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: initial;" title="320189_10150999730031861_1220534654_n" width="150" /></a>It isn’t the size of the gift that matters, but the size of the heart that gives it. ~Eileen Elias Freeman</div><div style="background-color: white; border: none; color: #151515; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">When&nbsp;<a href="http://blog.spartanrace.com/meet-the-spartan-bloggers/blogger-carrie-adams/" style="border: none; color: #dc0000; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">Carrie Adams</a>, and the other founding members of the Spartan Chicks, created a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/radchicks/" style="border: none; color: #dc0000; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">FaceBook group</a>&nbsp;(sorry guys, it’s for ladies only!), it was for the purposes of connecting women across the country who were all interested in Obstacle Course Racing. It was intended to give them a safe space to discuss training issues, racing tactics, share concerns, while supporting and motivating each other. In a short period of time, this group has grown from a tiny group of 100 ladies, to an 8000+ crowd of Chicks. More importantly, the group has identified itself as a real community of united women, running with each other at races, keeping tabs on each other via email, connecting via phone for workouts – a community of Chicks, always ready to chat and lend a hand at a moment’s notice, and show Obstacle Racing that women are a force to be reckoned with. &nbsp;The Chicked logo seen all over the race course on the tank tops and other “Spartan Chicked” gear.</div><div style="background-color: white; border: none; color: #151515; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://blog.spartanrace.com/spartan-chicked-gift-swap/logo/" rel="attachment wp-att-9326" style="border: none; color: #dc0000; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-9326" height="126" src="http://blog.spartanrace.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/logo-300x126.jpg" style="border: none; display: block; margin: 0px auto; max-width: 100%; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: initial;" title="logo" width="300" /></a></div><div style="background-color: white; border: none; color: #151515; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">In that vein, we’re launching our&nbsp;<a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dF9ocWFVbExhbTluRExabnZKWmZqLUE6MQ#gid=0" style="border: none; color: #dc0000; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">Second Annual Spartan Chicked Holiday Gift Swap</a>! It is open to women across the globe (yes, no matter where you do your Chicking, you can participate!) to sign up. You will be provided with the name and address of one other Chick, with whom you’ll get to share some Holiday Season cheer. Gifts range from simple cards and baked goods, to fun and functional fitness gear, to handmade scarves, blankets or ornaments. The only limit is your creativity! We’re not looking for you to spend billions, but help continue to unite our community of awesome ladies, by connecting with one specific Chick around the holidays. &nbsp;To date, we have women from all over the globe from London to Australia, Malibu to Manhattan!</div><div style="background-color: white; border: none; color: #151515; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">To join in on the fun,&nbsp;<a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dF9ocWFVbExhbTluRExabnZKWmZqLUE6MQ#gid=0" style="border: none; color: #dc0000; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">fill out this form</a>&nbsp;with your information. In a few days, you will be contacted with the name and address of your Giftee. From there, take matters into your own hands; friend your Giftee on FaceBook, check out what she’s been posting about in the Chicks group, get to know her and let your creative juices flow!</div><div style="background-color: white; border: none; color: #151515; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">Submissions will be accepted until MIDNIGHT (EST), DECEMBER 7th.</div><div class="wp-caption alignleft" id="attachment_9325" style="background-color: white; border: none; float: left; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; width: 209px;"><a href="http://blog.spartanrace.com/spartan-chicked-gift-swap/aja/" rel="attachment wp-att-9325" style="border: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: initial;"><img alt="" class="size-medium wp-image-9325" height="300" src="http://blog.spartanrace.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/aja-199x300.jpg" style="border: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" title="aja" width="199" /></a><div class="wp-caption-text" style="border: none; color: #151515; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">Aja Varney</div></div><div style="background-color: white; border: none; color: #151515; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">For your privacy, your name and address will only be shared with the one Chick who will be sending you a gift. If you do have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact me: aja.varney@gmail.com&nbsp;(Even just to say Hi!)</div><div style="background-color: white; border: none; color: #151515; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">[Editor's Note: Aja Varney is a Spartan Chick many times over. &nbsp;You can follow her adventures on her blog,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.whatabeautifulwreck.com/" style="border: none; color: #dc0000; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">What a Beautiful Wreck</a>, where this&nbsp;<a href="http://www.whatabeautifulwreck.com/2012/11/it-isnt-size-of-gift-that-matters-but.html" style="border: none; color: #dc0000; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">post</a>&nbsp;was originally published.</div><div style="background-color: white; border: none; color: #151515; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">The Chicked Movement began in 2011 at the Vermont Beast, the brain child of Spartan staffer&nbsp;<a href="http://blog.spartanrace.com/meet-the-spartan-bloggers/blogger-carrie-adams/" style="border: none; color: #dc0000; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">Carrie Adams</a>, with about a dozen women wanting to run together &nbsp;(Adams included) for support, and has grown drastically since the humble beginnings. &nbsp;With over 130,000 women passing across a Spartan finish line and a closed network numbering over 8,300 at press time, it shows no sign of slowing down. &nbsp;The Chicked movement is even featured in the soon-to-be released book&nbsp;<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Obstacle-Race-Training-Toughest/dp/1612431046/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1354214982&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=obstacle+race+training+brett+stewart" style="border: none; color: #dc0000; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">Ultimate Obstacle Race Training by Brett Stewart.</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;Are you a Spartan Chick who wants to join the movement? &nbsp;Click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/radchicks/" style="border: none; color: #dc0000; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">HERE.</a>&nbsp;]</div>Carrie Connorshttps://plus.google.com/107397991918507018563noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4539674371581266702.post-26042936544445618672012-11-19T09:03:00.003-08:002012-11-19T09:03:59.363-08:00Fenway Time Trial! <br /><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 18.984848022460938px;">by&nbsp;<a data-mce-href="http://blog.spartanrace.com/meet-the-spartan-bloggers/blogger-carrie-adams/" href="http://blog.spartanrace.com/meet-the-spartan-bloggers/blogger-carrie-adams/" target="_blank">Carrie Adams</a></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 18.984848022460938px;">(Originally posted on blog.spartanrace.com)&nbsp;</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 18.984848022460938px;"><em><a data-mce-href="http://blog.spartanrace.com/fenway-time-trial-one-spartans-story/fenway-3/" href="http://blog.spartanrace.com/fenway-time-trial-one-spartans-story/fenway-3/" rel="attachment wp-att-9233"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-thumbnail wp-image-9233" data-mce-src="http://blog.spartanrace.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/fenway3-150x150.jpg" height="150" src="http://blog.spartanrace.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/fenway3-150x150.jpg" style="border: 0px; cursor: default; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="fenway" width="150" /></a>Race reports have been flowing in by our athletes who were lucky enough to be a part of the first EVER of it's kind inside the walls (and stairs) of Fenway Park. &nbsp;We'll be sharing our own race report as well as the accounts of our Spartans willing to share their incredible stories of how the Fenway Time Trial excited and delighted all those in attendance. &nbsp;Athletes had unprecedented access to the park as they ran, jumped, climbed their way through one of the most beloved American landmarks in a Spartan style tour. &nbsp;</em></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 18.984848022460938px;"><em>Here is one story, told by Adrian Syso, a true Spartan Chick and a six time Spartan Race finisher! &nbsp;</em></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 18.984848022460938px;"><em><br /></em></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 18.984848022460938px;"><a data-mce-href="http://blog.spartanrace.com/fenway-time-trial-one-spartans-story/finish/" href="http://blog.spartanrace.com/fenway-time-trial-one-spartans-story/finish/" rel="attachment wp-att-9234"><img alt="" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-9234" data-mce-src="http://blog.spartanrace.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/finish-300x225.jpg" height="225" src="http://blog.spartanrace.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/finish-300x225.jpg" style="border: 0px; cursor: default; float: left;" title="finish" width="300" /></a>Saturday morning,&nbsp;November 17th, I was up at 4 am to eat breakfast and be on the road by 4:30. I live in NY and don't ask me why I thought 9 am heat would be a good idea! I made myself some oatmeal which almost immediately after I took the last spoonful decided it didn't want to stay with me. It was starting already, my pre-race jitters. I am positive my anxiety was turned up high because I was running SOLO! I had never run a Spartan by myself before, I always had a sister with me, or my teammates. But my sisters are off at college and my team signed up for a later heat. So it was just ME!</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 18.984848022460938px;">Walking up to Fenway Park was a surreal experience. I saw people running in the stadium and I knew that would be me in a few short moments. I got my racer packet and signed my son up for the kids race and headed inside. I found the starting line, kissed my son good-bye, my mom and brother wished me luck, and I was gone.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 18.984848022460938px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 18.984848022460938px;">A spot opened up for a single runner so I made my way to the front and stood on my spot. We started off with Joe DeSena showing us proper form of a Burpee and before the race even started we had to do 10, that was just a taste of the massive burpees I knew would be in my future.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 18.984848022460938px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 18.984848022460938px;">And off we went, in true Spartan fashion up the incline ramps to the top of the stadium, I just can't get away from Spartans with hills huh? At least it wasn't a mountain. The air was so cold. I wasn't used to running in the cold weather so immediately I could feel the effects on my lungs. But I was determined not to make that an excuse to stop. "Keep running, deep breath, in through your nose out through your mouth." I kept repeating in my head until the air didn't bother me as much.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 18.984848022460938px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 18.984848022460938px;">Honestly I don't remember what order the obstacles went in. I was focusing on getting through them and NOT WALKING! I had no one with me to cheer me on. usually I have my sister Rosy with me and we are constantly encouraging one another, or talking smack, you know how sisters are. I just had to keep pushing even when I didn't want to.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 18.984848022460938px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 18.984848022460938px;">My favorite Obstacles would have had to been the medicine ball slams, women had 15 pounders and had to lift them over their head throw them to the ground and pick them back up 20 times.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 18.984848022460938px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 18.984848022460938px;">The rope climb, my arch nemesis. In Tuxedo, NY I got all the way to the top only to realize I was too short to hit the bell! &nbsp;In PA I only made it about halfway. &nbsp;This time around, I was determined to get to the top! &nbsp;I took my time and focused. Reassessed my grip and footing at every knot I made it up. I got to the top and hit that bell and was ON TOP OF THE WORLD. I felt like I was flying.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 18.984848022460938px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 18.984848022460938px;">The traverse wall and I have a love/hate relationship, I am about at a 50/50 when it comes to being able to get all the way across. I picked what I thought the best wall would be, and it was UNTIL I got about three pegs away from the bell to realize they were spaced out a tad farther than my 5 foot tall body could reach. I just had to keep telling myself I could do it... Sure enough, DING! I hit that bell and took off running again.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 18.984848022460938px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 18.984848022460938px;">I did my fair share of burpees though, got to about 85 meters left in my row only to see "Burpees for You" come across my screen. &nbsp;Missed the spear throw, another 30 burpees, and of course the 30 burpees "Just for Fun" Come one really?? Who does Burpees for fun??</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 18.984848022460938px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 18.984848022460938px;">I had a ton of silent victories. Not going to lie every time I passed a guy I grinned to myself in true Spartan Chick fashion. Knowing I was able to do the race by myself was a huge victory in and of itself. That I didn't stop to walk for longer than a few seconds. I ran the whole race. I carried that ridiculously heavy sandbag through the stadium bleachers with only one stop to adjust. I just focused on one step ahead of the other. Not worrying about what was next. As I was crossing the finish line running full force INTO the gladiators I saw my mom and my son. &nbsp;I fought my way to the finish line had my time chip cut off and was shacking with adrenaline! I was handed the most beautiful Spartan medal and t-shirt I have ever seen, its such an amazing feeling to know that you EARNED that.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 18.984848022460938px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 18.984848022460938px;">The slogan is right, you do know at the finish line.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 18.984848022460938px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 18.984848022460938px;">I scarfed down my banana and two glasses of water. Found my son and gave him a huge kiss! &nbsp;In addition to me running my&nbsp;<a data-mce-href="http://blog.spartanrace.com/fenway-time-trial-one-spartans-story/kidsfinish/" href="http://blog.spartanrace.com/fenway-time-trial-one-spartans-story/kidsfinish/" rel="attachment wp-att-9235"><img alt="" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-9235" data-mce-src="http://blog.spartanrace.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/kidsfinish-225x300.jpg" height="300" src="http://blog.spartanrace.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/kidsfinish-225x300.jpg" style="border: 0px; cursor: default; float: right;" title="kidsfinish" width="225" /></a>6th Spartan Race, I also had a six year old who was running his 2nd Spartan. We headed down to the starting line. He wanted me to run with him so I ran alongside to take photos. I have a ton of proud moments as a mother, but I have to admit watching him participate in the Kids Spartans are up there on my proudest. He is fearless, he doesn't even think twice about an obstacle. He is a true natural and I can not wait for him to be able to run along side me and be cheering me on in a few years.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 18.984848022460938px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 18.984848022460938px;">I am thankful to Joe DeSena for creating such an AMAZING race. One that I am able to share with my sisters, friends, family, and most importantly my son. To be setting a good example that fitness can be fun, that it is something to do with the people you love. I am grateful for the entire spartan community. I have met so many amazing and driven people who motivate me to be the best me I can be.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 18.984848022460938px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 18.984848022460938px;">My 2012 Race Season is over for the year, I am looking forward to 2013 and what the Spartan Race has in store for us next year! and possible Death Race 2014! Who knows? All I know is that I am determined to beat my results next year and to make 2013 the best one yet!</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 18.984848022460938px;"><br /></div>Carrie Connorshttps://plus.google.com/107397991918507018563noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4539674371581266702.post-53199766122280913652012-11-13T09:28:00.000-08:002012-11-13T09:28:10.762-08:00Spartan Chick Marina Gentile!by <a href="http://blog.spartanrace.com/meet-the-spartan-bloggers/blogger-carrie-adams/" target="_blank">Carrie Adams</a><br />(originally posted on blog.spartanrace.com) <br /><br /><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 18.984848022460938px;"><a data-mce-href="http://blog.spartanrace.com/tales-from-the-chicked-the-phoenix-marina-gentile/marina/" href="http://blog.spartanrace.com/tales-from-the-chicked-the-phoenix-marina-gentile/marina/" rel="attachment wp-att-9181"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-thumbnail wp-image-9181" data-mce-src="http://blog.spartanrace.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/marina-150x150.jpg" height="150" src="http://blog.spartanrace.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/marina-150x150.jpg" style="border: 0px; cursor: default; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="marina" width="150" /></a>Every journey begins with a single step, and for anyone who has ever felt overwhelmed by starting, there has never been a better time than now.&nbsp; There has never been a better reason than because today is the day.&nbsp; For Marina Gentile that story has been a memorable one.&nbsp; For the last year, she has been on a mission – to become an athlete for the first time in her life and at the tender age of 45.&nbsp; She’s lost 125 pounds in the process and proved that setting goals, investing in your own life, and taking chances opens doors never thought possible. &nbsp;Her next stop? &nbsp;Spartan's Fenway Race.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 18.984848022460938px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 18.984848022460938px;">“Spartan Race was among one of the first goals I set for myself. I have had quite a re-birth, completely transformed my life in&nbsp;<a data-mce-href="http://blog.spartanrace.com/tales-from-the-chicked-the-phoenix-marina-gentile/marina-in-spartan-fenway-shirt/" href="http://blog.spartanrace.com/tales-from-the-chicked-the-phoenix-marina-gentile/marina-in-spartan-fenway-shirt/" rel="attachment wp-att-9184"><img alt="" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-9184" data-mce-src="http://blog.spartanrace.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Marina-in-Spartan-Fenway-Shirt-300x225.jpg" height="225" src="http://blog.spartanrace.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Marina-in-Spartan-Fenway-Shirt-300x225.jpg" style="border: 0px; cursor: default; float: right;" title="Marina in Spartan Fenway Shirt" width="300" /></a>the last year, I am training aggressively at the gym now, trying new sports and activities, and becoming more and more active in my life and with my kids since now I am able to introduce more activities to them too.”</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 18.984848022460938px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 18.984848022460938px;">Gentile is in her gym six days a week, three of those days working with her personal trainer , Robbie Sherwood. &nbsp;While she admits she probably has 50 pounds or so left to lose, she’s stronger than she’s ever been and more the athlete than she ever thought possible. When the Fenway Spartan Race was announced, the self-proclaimed, “Boston girl born and raised, living in Yankee country way too long,” knew she had to be a part of the event. &nbsp;She emphasizes that for her it isn't about the number on the scale.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 18.984848022460938px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 18.984848022460938px;">"Honestly, one of the biggest things I attribute to my success has been that for the first time in my life it is NOT about the weight and dieting... it is like the weight coming off is a natural consequence of my new active lifestyle and not the focus. &nbsp;I feel so strong &amp; healthy and great about myself, so fit. &nbsp;I focus on the positives of having lots of fun every day and trying new activities, loving my training, setting activity goals for myself instead of weight goals."</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 18.984848022460938px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 18.984848022460938px;">“Fenway is calling to me...” she laughs.&nbsp; Gentile’s trainer knows she is ready and she’s been training for race day with the expectation that she’ll be even more competitive the next time around.&nbsp; Running with Team Relentless, she and several others will descend on Fenway to race.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 18.984848022460938px;">“They are all threatening to wear Mets &amp; Yankees jerseys to my hometown so I am just hoping we don't get beaten up on the streets before we even get through the gates!” jokes Gentile.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 18.984848022460938px;">She’s had a tough time getting any women in her age group to go with her, but she’s not going to stop trying.&nbsp; “My amazing husband of 18 years,&nbsp;Alan Alford,&nbsp;is coming along to Fenway as well, he has promised to take great pictures and video and hug me at the finish line.”</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 18.984848022460938px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 18.984848022460938px;">Inspired by the infamous Phoenix fabled to rise from the ashes, Gentile says, “I am fascinated by the Phoenix lately and all that it symbolizes, have had such a rebirth through burning down old ways and habits and negative body image messages.”</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 18.984848022460938px;"><a data-mce-href="http://blog.spartanrace.com/tales-from-the-chicked-the-phoenix-marina-gentile/image-2/" href="http://blog.spartanrace.com/tales-from-the-chicked-the-phoenix-marina-gentile/image-2/" rel="attachment wp-att-9182"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-9182" data-mce-src="http://blog.spartanrace.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/image.png" height="153" src="http://blog.spartanrace.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/image.png" style="border: 0px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="image" width="400" /></a></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 18.984848022460938px;">“I have been limited for so long, that now all I want to do is feel limitless, for me that means trying new activities and pushing and challenging my body to see how far it will go. &nbsp;I have a lot of limited years to make up for, but I am still pretty young and strong and (as Robbie pointed out to me) seem to have enough positive energy to take on the world single-handedly right now! &nbsp;I am so out of my mind with excitement for Spartan Fenway right now, and really super terrified all at the same time! &nbsp;But I am so doing this... bringing the same A-Game and relentless determination that has gotten me through the last year of taking control of my own life and moving it in a very positive direction!</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 18.984848022460938px;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 18.984848022460938px;">See you at the finish line, Marina.</div>Carrie Connorshttps://plus.google.com/107397991918507018563noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4539674371581266702.post-85757378902730768482012-02-20T10:29:00.001-08:002012-02-20T10:29:25.536-08:00The Death Race Profile Series: Amelia Boone<p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wYwjSGiQyCE/T0KQ6GVa8yI/AAAAAAAACNc/DooW9zXks3k/s1600-h/amelia-face2.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 3px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="amelia face" border="0" alt="amelia face" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-oQJYKhVZv1c/T0KQ6e6LdaI/AAAAAAAACNk/MhxOLJDry_A/amelia-face_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="132" height="204"></a>The alarm goes off shortly after 4:00 AM and Amelia Boone is off to the gym before an undetermined number of hours at the law firm where she works as an attorney in downtown Chicago.&nbsp; “It’s important to make time.” she explains.&nbsp; “And I don’t know when else I will get the chance with my working hours.”&nbsp; </p> <p>A native of Oregon, Boone grew up active playing soccer and softball.&nbsp; When it came time for college, she followed the path of academics in lieu of sports but stayed active always looking for something to challenge her.&nbsp;&nbsp; She will be participating in both the Winter and the Summer Death Races in 2012.&nbsp; Athletes like Amelia are redefining females in sport and giving women new heroes of the non-traditional variety.&nbsp; Successful, strong, smart, and beautiful, she’s going to be one to watch this season.&nbsp; She’s adding to an already strong field of female athletes.&nbsp; </p> <a name='more'></a> <p>A self-proclaimed desk jockey, she needs an outlet from the long hours and obstacle racing and non-traditional endurance challenges have been the perfect fit.&nbsp; Training for the hilly terrain she will face in Vermont while living and working downtown Chicago is a challenge but Boone has taken to getting creative.&nbsp; Lugging 40lbs up stairs in her work clothes 39 stories is how she begins her work day and takes to planning while reviewing cases in her <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-nHfHnZBvkVo/T0KQ62I-_4I/AAAAAAAACNs/PEnbpixy6xk/s1600-h/407024_3096079054217_1631326229_2748%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 9px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="407024_3096079054217_1631326229_2748093_1634709090_n" border="0" alt="407024_3096079054217_1631326229_2748093_1634709090_n" align="right" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mHck9qkeFnA/T0KQ7d3CmOI/AAAAAAAACN0/Nz-FZoKlF4o/407024_3096079054217_1631326229_2748%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="153" height="204"></a>office.&nbsp; She’s also recently started blogging about her racing and her unique approach to training,&nbsp; <a href="http://raceipsa.blogspot.com/">http://raceipsa.blogspot.com/</a>. </p> <p>“It doesn’t hurt when partners think you’re a little crazy,” she jokes.</p> <p>She’s also honing new skills.&nbsp; Recently gifted an axe, she’s been working on her wood chopping skills, another challenging skill to train for while living in the downtown Chicago urban jungle.&nbsp; She knows learning how to wield the axe will be an important part of the upcoming <a href="http://www.youmaydie.com" target="_blank">Death Race</a> experiences so she’s getting prepared as best she can. </p> <p>“There aren’t many trees to speak of.&nbsp; And I think lugging an axe around town would be frowned upon.”</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-BWSsCM03X2A/T0KQ7yc9AHI/AAAAAAAACN8/gtKRaUVddKU/s1600-h/lowcrawl_amelia2.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 6px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="lowcrawl_amelia" border="0" alt="lowcrawl_amelia" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-IdGg23Un7tM/T0KQ8RPPz_I/AAAAAAAACOE/NtEdxFvRXQQ/lowcrawl_amelia_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="204" height="155"></a>Her accomplishments are notable.&nbsp; In addition to marathons, traditional road races, and countless obstacle races she recently completed an overnight challenge in D.C. and was also part of a well known 24 hour challenge in December 2011.&nbsp; Only ten participants total would finish out of a field of 800 and only two women, Boone included.&nbsp; </p> <p>The mysticism and the community of the Death Race is what appealed to Boone.&nbsp; “I haven’t met a community of people like it.&nbsp; There is nothing like it.”&nbsp; She also looks forward to her Death Race experiences, however unknown they are right now.&nbsp; “I have no idea what to expect.&nbsp; I’m pretty sure that’s a good thing.”&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> Carrie Connorshttps://plus.google.com/107397991918507018563noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4539674371581266702.post-28925954604450383262012-01-16T18:38:00.001-08:002012-01-16T18:38:52.254-08:00Tales From the Chicked: Ella Anne Kociuba<p>by <a href="http://blog.spartanrace.com/meet-the-spartan-bloggers/" target="_blank">Carrie Adams</a> <p><em>Originally posted in the <a href="WWW.SPARTANRACE.COM" target="_blank">Spartan Race</a> Blog.</em> <p><em>At </em><a href="WWW.SPARTANRACE.COM" target="_blank"><em>Spartan Race</em></a><em> HQ we are lucky enough to receive inspiring stories from all over the world of athletes who have faced adversity only to come back stronger and more determined than ever.&nbsp; I recently received this story about eighteen-year-old Ella Anne Kociuba and I knew her story would inspire.&nbsp; After a horrific injury she has battled back and her story of triumph and success is one you won’t soon forget.&nbsp; Here is her story in her own words.</em>&nbsp; <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-RJBYC936rbc/TxTfMygE_JI/AAAAAAAACE0/VI3MnfUERzY/s1600-h/ella2%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 7px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="ella2" border="0" alt="ella2" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JDYn8XDP0QQ/TxTfNUVQbUI/AAAAAAAACE8/_fOa7shnK4s/ella2_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="154" height="204"></a>My names Ella Anne Kociuba, I am eighteen years old and currently attending a community college in Austin, Texas. I have big plans for the future (I hope to one day be the image of Spartan Racing and become a professional athlete/writer).&nbsp; I would like to explain my story to you so that those who are struggling can see the light in even the darkest of times. <p>&nbsp;</p> <a name='more'></a> <p>Throughout my young life I have been faced with chronic pain that caused me to have a new outlook on everything.&nbsp; It quickly challenged me with the worst, but slowly developed me into my best. For years doctors could not tell me what was wrong with me or why my body was failing me. I can not stress to you in a few words the pain I felt, the nights I did not rest, and the moments I missed out on due to an injury that nearly ended my athletic pursuits. <p>I've been a competitive horse-back rider since a little one, and when I was thirteen<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-55QfJkOmpqk/TxTfNhqhqEI/AAAAAAAACFE/Tdls9SiULTA/s1600-h/ella1%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 4px 0px 4px 8px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="ella1" border="0" alt="ella1" align="right" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0fFhtGNERlI/TxTfOEmR55I/AAAAAAAACFM/YL6_sGYA5n4/ella1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="154" height="204"></a> years old I was seriously involved with endurance riding (25-50 Mile cross country horse races).&nbsp; I trained hard but one day I suffered a horrible accident.&nbsp; My horse spooked and threw me off its back and Ianded hard on the sharp rocks below knocking me unconscious.&nbsp;&nbsp; I was broken and crippled.&nbsp; Doctor’s informed me that I had broken the L4 and L5 vertebrae.&nbsp; I was monumentally depressed at the bleak outlook. <p>It became an endless cycle of doctors, treatments, back braces, and medications.&nbsp; Everything seemed hopeless. Nothing was helping and I knew I was progressively getting worse.&nbsp; The pain was unbearable.&nbsp; I couldn’t function.&nbsp; But, finally, after six doctor’s a specialist informed me that it was possible I’d never walk again.&nbsp; Performing an experimental surgery and nine hours later, six rods and four screws aligned in my spine I awoke a new person. <p>The journey from that wasn’t an easy one.&nbsp; It took me a year to recover the precious strength I’d lost and be ready to think about competing in sports again; something I was told I’d never do.&nbsp; This was a mere five years ago.&nbsp; <p>Since that day, I’ve pushed hard always keeping my head forward, eyes up, and overcoming any challenge in front of me. Because I truly believe that you can do anything if you give it your everything. <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-PpozIpdoJvU/TxTfOV9mTqI/AAAAAAAACFU/TZlPVzctg58/s1600-h/ella%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 7px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="ella" border="0" alt="ella" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ai4co9RUyrE/TxTfO_TYLHI/AAAAAAAACFc/bzRp-C1YjzY/ella_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="204" height="137"></a>I recently did my first Super Spartan race in Glenn Rose, Texas.&nbsp; I performed well and managed to come out as first female in my heat.&nbsp; It was one of the happiest moments ever for me.&nbsp; Not only had I completed the Super Spartan obstacle race, and won my heat, but I had fallen in love with the sport and proved myself worthy. I welcome all challenges and I will perform to the best of my ability to each and everyone of them. <p>The Spartan Race series has brought such happiness to my life, it's such a demanding sport that I have become so passionate about spreading the joy it gives you at the finish line. I hope to one day have a sponsorship and compete state to state in obstacle racing and help inspire others to never give up. If I had given up, I wouldn't be walking. If I had given up, I wouldn't be the person I am today. If I had given up, I wouldn't of found what I truly love to do. And that is, Spartan Races! AROO! Carrie Connorshttps://plus.google.com/107397991918507018563noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4539674371581266702.post-89396048588776680742012-01-12T08:09:00.001-08:002012-01-12T08:09:54.965-08:00Have you Been Spartan Chicked?<p>by <a href="http://blog.spartanrace.com/meet-the-spartan-bloggers/" target="_blank">Carrie Adams</a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-SNyE8pZuFVM/Tw8Fy_LwuEI/AAAAAAAACAE/5Bi8eG9j9Do/s1600-h/thebeast-2%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 5px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="thebeast-2" border="0" alt="thebeast-2" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YI6wTSKvOdg/Tw8FzO3n3lI/AAAAAAAACAM/oRRQPcOtffg/thebeast-2_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="103" height="152"></a>Unless you’ve been living under a muddy rock, you’ve heard about all the amazing Spartan chicks that come out and race and kick some major ass!&nbsp; In 2012, we are taking it up a notch with some help from our amazing partner ZICO Coconut Water.&nbsp; ZICO will be onsite at several events in 2012 handing out products and&nbsp; hosting the Official Spartan Chicked Pit Stop!&nbsp; It will be a meet-up location for all the Spartan chicks to mix and mingle and stay hydrated!</p> <a name='more'></a> <p>Why stay hydrated with ZICO?&nbsp; ZICO contains the five essential electrolytes that gives your body everything it needs to stay hydrated and perform at your best. One ZICO has more potassium than a banana – 15 times more than most sports drinks – to prevent cramping. Drink ZICO before or during a workout for the natural energy you need for optimal performance. After a workout, ZICO replenishes and re-hydrates you to speed recovery.&nbsp; </p> <p>We look forward to seeing all the ladies come out and let the guys find out how it feels to be Spartan Chicked!&nbsp; </p> <p><strong>Dates/Locations of the official Spartan Chicked Tent provided by ZICO<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8JsYF_3Hq5o/Tw8Fz_d3zrI/AAAAAAAACAU/o4NoOkJ5qSE/s1600-h/thebeast-18%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 5px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="thebeast-18" border="0" alt="thebeast-18" align="right" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-AYvnaT_9tIk/Tw8F0RhXHlI/AAAAAAAACAc/iGar9VPhc-4/thebeast-18_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="204" height="137"></a> Coconut Water:</strong></p> <p>January 28 – 29<sup>th</sup> SoCal <p>February 25<sup>th</sup> – Miami <p>May 19<sup>th</sup> and 20<sup>th</sup> – Burnet, TX <p>June 2<sup>nd</sup> – 3<sup>rd</sup> Tuxedo, NY <p>August 11 – 12<sup>th</sup> Boston <p>September 8<sup>th</sup> – 9<sup>th</sup> Tristate <p>December 1<sup>st</sup> – December 2<sup>nd</sup> Malibu <p>December 8<sup>th</sup> – 9<sup>th</sup> Glen Rose, TX <p>To learn more about ZICO Coconut water, check out their <a href="http://zico.com/" target="_blank">website</a> and “Like” their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/zico" target="_blank">FB page.</a></p> Carrie Connorshttps://plus.google.com/107397991918507018563noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4539674371581266702.post-11320478869561564872012-01-10T12:11:00.000-08:002012-01-10T12:11:44.738-08:00Tales from the Chicked: Gayla Allen<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bDVUlLGIa6U/TwybIbSR3qI/AAAAAAAAB_s/RFlGOIkBjP4/s1600/Me.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bDVUlLGIa6U/TwybIbSR3qI/AAAAAAAAB_s/RFlGOIkBjP4/s200/Me.JPG" width="155" /></a></div>by <a href="http://blog.spartanrace.com/meet-the-spartan-bloggers/" target="_blank">Carrie Adams</a><br /> I got the most amazing email today and had to share it with you. Sparta, meet Gayla Allen. <br /> Hello Carrie, <br />My name is Gayla and I’d love to share my story and personal goals for the May Spartan Race event in Texas! <br />---------------------------------------------------------------- <br />Living in Austin – a city whose motto could be “nuttin’ but health nuts” – I’m a <b>51</b>-year-old entrepreneur, mother and grandmother, and I love my chosen lifestyle, which is centered on living the good life, being healthy and strong. You see, I subscribe to the “strong is the new skinny” theory, and with so many health enthusiasts around me, I’m fortunate to be able to draw inspiration from those who could show Rocky how running up the stairs is really done. My husband, who shares my passion for his own, unique reasons, has helped me to reach the even higher-hung branches on life’s little coconut tree. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4BftYvdS9cI/TwybP0p9i6I/AAAAAAAAB_0/bSONzmPJWzI/s1600/pushup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="109" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4BftYvdS9cI/TwybP0p9i6I/AAAAAAAAB_0/bSONzmPJWzI/s200/pushup.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Altogether, I have six children from a mixed marriage; and I’d like to point out that I gave birth to five of them. Yup, you read right: my body produced five whole separate humans! Still not impressed with my commitment to strength? Well, I also broke my tail bone during each delivery. I didn’t hold it against them, though: my kids are aged 22 to 28 now, and I raised each while maintaining a healthy active lifestyle. I don’t think I need to tell you what a challenge staying fit was – singlehandedly finding a cure for Austin’s allergy crisis might actually be easier. An entrepreneur by spirit, I ran a small business as an independent virtual executive assistant while working as a real estate agent, raised my children, and have recently co-founded a new company, My Texas Smile. In our spare time, my family and I love outdoor activities, like swimming, kayaking, hiking and tennis (although, let’s just say I’m no Venus or Serena). <br /><br />The Spartan Challenge is our next adventure and we intend to make it memorable. My husband, daughter and I will be joining the other Austin Hoplites to compete in this May’s 2012 Texas Spartan Race. If I were a real Spartan, the motto on my shield would say: “If you want to beat this old lady, I’m not going to make it easy!” My challengers had better laugh me off at their own peril: I have been strength training with my husband for several years now, and have recently started to mix in some cross fit training. My daughter, a cross-fit trainer who would make a truly Herculean Spartan chick, has been my biggest champion and source of encouragement. When it comes to food and nutrition, my diet follows the Paleo principles: this powers both my training and activity fuel banks, and gives me enough protein to make you think 50 could be the new 25. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zV7EdD6tLe0/TwybYD2ljsI/AAAAAAAAB_8/nnUkv_el6Qo/s1600/Pullup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zV7EdD6tLe0/TwybYD2ljsI/AAAAAAAAB_8/nnUkv_el6Qo/s200/Pullup.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>My goals are simple: <br />• Improve on my standards achieved in years past; <br />• Build muscle and bone density; <br />• Increase vitality and energy; <br />• Be a role model for women, especially my age, who want to use healthy living to better their lives. <br /><br />I definitely believe that humans by nature are designed to be fit and strong, even into older age brackets: the only requirement here is just to ignore the caution tape and refuse to stop. Don’t stop running, lifting, eating right, playing and otherwise living life to its life-iest. When we hit the brakes, our lives get stuck in traffic, too.<br />Carrie Connorshttps://plus.google.com/107397991918507018563noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4539674371581266702.post-65409235309311458802012-01-09T17:02:00.001-08:002012-01-09T17:02:45.422-08:00Tales from the Chicked: Gretchen Lee<p><i>by <a href="http://blog.spartanrace.com/meet-the-spartan-bloggers/" target="_blank">Carrie Adams</a></i> <p><i>Originally posted on the <a href="WWW.SPARTANRACE.COM" target="_blank">Spartan Race</a> blog. </i> <p><i>We recently announced our <a href="http://blog.spartanrace.com/tales-from-the-chicked/" target="_blank">Tales from the Chicked series</a> where we’ll be profiling some stories from our amazing female athletes!&nbsp; Our first installment comes from Gretchen Lee who joined us in Malibu and is training for her next challenge – the SoCal Super!&nbsp; Here is her story in her own words!</i> <p><i><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6_NrE2REFOo/TwuOLqXjKcI/AAAAAAAAB-8/AwJV8tKxK24/s1600-h/photo%2525201-11%252520%2525282%252529%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 7px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="photo 1-11 (2)" border="0" alt="photo 1-11 (2)" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vr1pkJ8Wffg/TwuOMEanxCI/AAAAAAAAB_E/73ZMYdv3Gbs/photo%2525201-11%252520%2525282%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="154" height="204"></a><strong>“I hate glitter…but I love Sparkles, my quest for rookie Spartan Chicks” – Gretchen Lee</strong></i> <p>Whoa, what a year can do for a girl! I never thought my 2011resolution of working out more effectively would lead to the Resolution of looking for “Sparkles” in 2012. <p>What is a “Sparkle”? For our terms a “Sparkle” is a woman who has not completed a Spartan Race. </p> <a name='more'></a> <p>How will I find Sparkles? Well, this is the challenge. (I myself did not know I was one until I was introduced to <a href="WWW.SPARTANRACE.COM" target="_blank">Spartan Race</a> and Margaret Schlachter last summer.) So, not only do I have to locate women who are rookies to Spartan Race, but ones willing to commit and train to tackle a SPARTAN RACE! <p>So today, I find myself at the park with my two kids. I am dressed in workout clothes,<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-W19A8ZhMGBU/TwuOMpPNWbI/AAAAAAAAB_M/YlW2dlbPhuo/s1600-h/photo%2525204-6%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 8px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="photo 4-6" border="0" alt="photo 4-6" align="right" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XvdsKaDWHV8/TwuOM-VzqLI/AAAAAAAAB_U/63gtk9E90Wk/photo%2525204-6_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="154" height="204"></a> ready to run and do the monkey bars – with ulterior motives!!!! FIND SPARKLES! Not looking so good, I see moms texting and FBing, but all in jeans and “cute” tops. Not so obvious and easy as I expected, where are the ladies dressed to exercise? So here I go – monkey bars, push ups, burpees – all in hopes of bringing out the inner-Sparkle in at least one of these texting mamas. <p>So, after some time, I actually had a mom approach me. “Do you do cardio too?” Hmmmm. The conversation began…after some talking, I am happy to report that this mom, that I have met previously, asked to meet up at the gym at which we are both members. I told her about my training and how thrilling it was to complete the Malibu Sprint last November. <p>Now to set the date and encourage her to become a SPARKLE! <p>---------------------------------------------- <p>Ladies, do you want to join the Spartan Chicked movement?&nbsp; Check out our closed group on FB by clicking <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/radchicks/" target="_blank">HERE.</a>&nbsp; Sorry, no boys allowed.&nbsp;&nbsp; You can share your Spartan Chicked stories by emailing <a href="mailto:carrie@spartanrace.com">carrie@spartanrace.com</a>! Carrie Connorshttps://plus.google.com/107397991918507018563noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4539674371581266702.post-23497659705939808172012-01-07T14:58:00.001-08:002012-01-07T14:59:51.370-08:00Tales from the Chicked<p>by <a href="http://blog.spartanrace.com/meet-the-spartan-bloggers/" target="_blank">Carrie Adams</a></p> <p>(Originally posted on the <a href="http://blog.spartanrace.com/tales-from-the-chicked/" target="_blank">Spartan Race blog</a>.) <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-iafEZ6nUWuU/TwjOHGXAKZI/AAAAAAAAB5g/EnnKSk0WIq4/s1600-h/carrie_kenn1%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 7px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="carrie_kenn1" border="0" alt="carrie_kenn1" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KuQBnhjr1ZU/TwjOHhB-8eI/AAAAAAAAB5o/5LG343Brg8o/carrie_kenn1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="204" height="154"></a>This story is special to me, because as a female endurance athlete, single mother to two daughters, AND a Spartan employee, promoting the women who come to our races and encouraging more to take part means a lot to me!&nbsp; Spartan Race is one of the fastest growing active racing organizations in the world. We are more than just your average “mud” run we are an international obstacle racing organization that promotes athleticism, an active lifestyle and bringing together a community of people across the globe. A community of people comprised of some pretty amazing women and girls.&nbsp; </p> <a name='more'></a> <p>Spartan Chicked is a movement I began last summer to educate, motivate, and empower women and girls to begin and continue active, competitive, supportive, and fitness driven lifestyles.&nbsp; <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_4K9d3PPehI/TwjOIDaYSTI/AAAAAAAAB5w/7vq09xabcCo/s1600-h/BD2_7586%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 8px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="BD2_7586" border="0" alt="BD2_7586" align="right" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JK203ShVZRU/TwjOIS4wqPI/AAAAAAAAB54/QJdcWEzRvw0/BD2_7586_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="204" height="137"></a>Currently, 32% of Spartan Race competitors are female and we are looking to increase those numbers in 2012 with efforts focused on our female demographic and encouraging participation in our 32 global events. With Spartan Chicked gear and some big ideas for 2012, expect to hear a lot about the Spartan women!&nbsp; 30,000 women raced with Spartan in 2011 and that number is expected to double in 2012! <p>Spartan Chicked is a movement open to women of all athletic backgrounds from competitive to just beginning a journey of health and well-being. Competitive female athletes like Xterra racer Jennifer Tobin, 2011 Spartan first place female, professional adventure racer Danelle Balangee, Olympic hopeful Lindsey Scherf Georgia Spartan Sprint winner, and Canadian National team member Claude Godbout, Spartan Beast second place finisher have all graced Spartan courses with their feats of athleticism and performance. Check out the special edition <a href="http://www.spartanrace.tv/?v=BmZzN1Mjq_jrT6YiXmG6KGz0-DbNtqY9">Spartan Chicked video</a> that details the movement and some of the amazing women. <p>Our nearly 700,000 FB fans are represented by 30% female fans and <a href="http://www.spartanrace.tv">Spartan Race TV</a> and <a href="http://www.radrading.org">Radio Show</a> regularly feature female Spartan stories and special interests and every Tuesday is dedicated to Spartan Chicks on all our digital platforms highlighting our amazing community. Spartan Chicked has a dedicated <a href="www.spartanchicked.blogspot.com" target="_blank">blog</a> that is regularly updated by Spartan Chicks! <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vvcQAWD5h2c/TwjOIv7h6-I/AAAAAAAAB6A/8IVJcLYwe9c/s1600-h/clip_image013%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="clip_image013" border="0" hspace="12" alt="clip_image013" align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Ix9M9ZXo4jE/TwjOJAOAauI/AAAAAAAAB6I/p6nyiboeDa8/clip_image013_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="152" height="202"></a>The Spartan Chicked campaign targets young women and girls to show them that being strong, capable, and pushing ourselves is fun and fulfilling. We are here to inspire a nation to get off the couch, take care of their bodies, and ultimately challenge themselves to push through obstacles and overcome adversity. <p>Our Spartan tagline is “You’ll Know at the Finish Line” and we want as many women as possible to get to experience that feeling of achievement through one of our races! <p>We will be featuring the amazing Spartan women on our blog and telling their stories.&nbsp; So look forward to more from our Spartan Chicked community! <p>Are you a Spartan Chick?&nbsp; Two things.&nbsp; <p>1. Become a part of our closed network on FB: Click <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/radchicks/?ref=ts" target="_blank">HERE</a> and request to join.&nbsp; No boys allowed!&nbsp; We share fitness tips, nutrition information, motivation, support and everything in between.&nbsp; <p>2. If you want to share your own Chicked story, email <a href="mailto:carrie@spartanrace.com">carrie@spartanrace.com</a>!&nbsp; Carrie Connorshttps://plus.google.com/107397991918507018563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4539674371581266702.post-227099416909862772012-01-03T10:40:00.001-08:002012-01-03T10:40:48.934-08:00Outside Magazine says Spartan is #1<p>by <a href="http://blog.spartanrace.com/meet-the-spartan-bloggers/" target="_blank">Carrie Adams</a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2RDh-l4whC0/TwNLrjrDRCI/AAAAAAAAB2Y/Gnnc5XR5T7U/s1600-h/SR_OUTSIDE_BOR_Vector%252520%2525282%252529%25255B5%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 7px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="SR_OUTSIDE_BOR_Vector (2)" border="0" alt="SR_OUTSIDE_BOR_Vector (2)" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-A7nPBocGY4g/TwNLsPzJ3nI/AAAAAAAAB2g/0sbaHn9tSGs/SR_OUTSIDE_BOR_Vector%252520%2525282%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="148" height="148"></a>Outside Magazine recently held a poll to determine the “Best Obstacle Race in 2011” and Spartan Race won in a landslide over such notable races as Tough Mudder and Warrior Dash.&nbsp; Spartan Race won the fan-based online poll with 25,688 votes! Second place snagged 17,911 votes. <p>So stoked to share this new with the Spartan Chicked community! <p>Check out Outside Online: <a href="http://www.outsideonline.com">www.outsideonline.com</a></p> Carrie Connorshttps://plus.google.com/107397991918507018563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4539674371581266702.post-28556792679846556742012-01-03T10:35:00.001-08:002012-01-03T17:58:59.276-08:00Ode to Sparta: No Excuses!<p>by <a href="http://blog.spartanrace.com/meet-the-spartan-bloggers/" target="_blank">Carrie Adams</a></p> <p><em>Frequently we hear from our athletes about why they run and what motivates them to sign up, show up and never give up.&nbsp; Here is Joanna’s Story in her own words.</em></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-fVkHPp_h4KM/TwOyYBoaQLI/AAAAAAAAB28/QOlORiyHknI/s1600-h/IMG00735%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 7px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG00735" border="0" alt="IMG00735" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ElNOZttVGlI/TwOyYWO-IgI/AAAAAAAAB3E/0kTSFQX-2TQ/IMG00735_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="204" height="154"></a>Last January I signed up for the Spartan Sprint. It was posted as a meet up for an online social group I belong to, and a few of us brave souls signed up. I'd never done anything like it before, and it sounded exciting and challenging, something new and different to look forward to and work towards.</p> <p>I trained for 8 months, including teaching myself to run for the first time, and learning to love it. Before I knew it I was doing 5K races. On the days I didn't run I was at the gym, swimming, climbing the rock wall or taking classes.&nbsp; I lost 30 pounds and gained an enormous amount of confidence. </p> <a name='more'></a> <p>I finished the sprint in 1:57:26.6, 137 out of 275 overall and 51 out of 123 women in my heat.( I'm a 51 year old grandmother, so I'm thrilled with those numbers!) This year I plan to train even harder, and now that I have a better idea of what to expect, hope to complete more of the obstacles and do less burpees! </p> <p>Doing the Sprint has changed my life in many ways. Several times in those two hours I thought I might be in over my head: Carrying the bucket of rocks up the mountain, jumping over the fire, or trudging through the woods not knowing what was next or how many more obstacles I had to complete. But crossing that finish line was better than anything I could ever have imagined, and months later I still feel the thrill when I think about it.&nbsp; I tell everyone who will listen how much fun it was, and even though most of the time I get told that it doesn't sound like fun at all, I have talked a couple of friends into joining us next time!</p> Carrie Connorshttps://plus.google.com/107397991918507018563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4539674371581266702.post-44681309716357625172011-11-29T10:02:00.001-08:002011-11-29T10:02:25.121-08:00Life Is Either A Daring Adventure Or Nothing<p><img style="margin: 0px 8px 0px 0px; display: inline; float: left" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-4616" title="Me! 004" alt="" align="left" src="http://blog.spartanrace.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Me-004-273x300.jpg" width="213" height="234">By Michelle Fielder<br><strong></strong></p> <p>As a child I was always told to shoot for the Moon, because even if you miss, you'll be among the stars. I never realized where those words could possibly take me until today.</p> <p>Fast forward 30+ years..........</p> <p>I'm an average person: no elite athlete by any means. Not even an athlete if you want to be exact. I was the one who needed the jar of peanut butter opened for her and the groceries carried in from the car.&nbsp; Every morning, you'd find me walking or jogging 1- 2 miles. At least that was something, right? I always thought I was in "shape," not knowing what those words actually meant. “In shape” meant being thin, something I have discovered is not true.</p> <p>So one day, while watching an infomercial.....Yes an infomercial! (I hope your reading this Tony Horton!) I heard the words of a 50 year old: "I'm in the best shape of MY life, better shape then I was when I was in my 20's" What??? Could that be true? Could I, at the age of 44 be in the best shape of my life?&nbsp; Well, I was determined to find out, and so began my journey with p90x. After finishing round 1, I knew I was stronger, mentally and physically, but what to do with this new found strength and determination?</p> <p>Enter...SPARTAN RACE.</p> <p>I first heard of Spartan race back in April of 2011. I headed to their website to see what they were all about. At first, I was intimidated by pictures of all the athletes.&nbsp; They looked hardcore, and I was no where near being hardcore. My first thought was, "Are these people nuts?" Watching these people jump over fire, climbing ropes and, my all time favorite, crawling under barbed wire through MUD! Yuck!&nbsp; My first thought was, "there is no way I can do this!" My husband’s first words were, "You'll get hurt," but as I read more and more about the organization, I was more and more intrigued. As I read more about "Getting people off the couch" (the people on the video never looked like they were on the couch in the first place!), "the ability to laugh in the face of adversity"(I have lots of adversity in my life, I want to laugh!)&nbsp; and "understanding at the finish line..."(What will I understand at the finish line?? PAIN??), I found that I had something to prove...not to anyone else, but to myself.&nbsp; I KNEW this was the race I needed to conquer.</p> <p>I will admit, I was hit with some resistance about doing this race. People my age are so ready to except their ages.&nbsp; I truly believe that, as we get older, society brainwashes us into thinking that we cannot test our strengths and limits, and that if we do, we must be going through a mid-life crisis. So Yes! I am going through a Mid-life crisis. A crisis to better health!</p> <p>I won't lie. As I am getting closer to the Texas Super Spartan, I am scared. I think, “You are too old for this!&nbsp; What if I get hurt?&nbsp; Did I train enough?&nbsp; What if I have to take that dignified exit option at mile 3?!”</p> <p>The thing that sets Spartan Race apart from other races is how they warmly invite you into the "Spartan Family."&nbsp; They have not only created a unique, warm, welcoming family atmosphere but have also created one of life long friendships.&nbsp; The Spartan Chicked group has given me the enthusiasm and encouragement to know I CAN do this.&nbsp; All of us have the same goal: finishing what we start.&nbsp; Some people ask why I want to do this race, and my answer is, "Because I can!" T here is nothing stopping me but myself.&nbsp; I may not finish in first place, and it may not be pretty, but at least I had the courage to sign up. And signing up is the first step in this daring adventure.</p> <p>So how will this daring adventure end? An average person, doing a not so average Race. Will I finish strong, taking down a Gladiator or two, rr will I be carried across the finish line?&nbsp; Will I chicken out at the start line or will I take the not-so-dignified exit? December 3rd, 2011, I will be shooting for the moon and hoping to land at the finish line.&nbsp; To be continued..........</p> Carrie Connorshttps://plus.google.com/107397991918507018563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4539674371581266702.post-73401278363195637862011-11-26T12:36:00.001-08:002011-11-26T12:36:17.496-08:00Finding the Physical. Part Two: Rise Up<h3><font size="3"><font style="font-weight: normal">by <a href="http://carriea81.blogspot.com/2011/11/finding-physical-part-two-rise-up.html" target="_blank">Carrie Adams</a></font></font></h3> <p>Originally posted in Carrie’s blog: <a href="http://www.leavingapath.com">www.leavingapath.com</a></p> <p><font size="3"><font style="font-weight: normal">“We can only appreciate the miracle of a sunrise if we have waited in the darkness” –Unknown</font></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3U2PavIiB6M/TtFNsBNS0SI/AAAAAAAABnw/hh1rk7-Eexk/s1600-h/SR_HURRICANE_Badge%25255B2%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 7px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="SR_HURRICANE_Badge" border="0" alt="SR_HURRICANE_Badge" align="right" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gYdzN1OZl2o/TtFNsolQmzI/AAAAAAAABn4/D_hVksGirt8/SR_HURRICANE_Badge_thumb.png?imgmax=800" width="204" height="204"></a>As I exited the hotel lobby at 4:30AM in the dark Southern California morning, I shuddered against the cold and watched my breath escape harshly into the air.&nbsp; “So much for Malibu sunshine,” I remember thinking.&nbsp; Hopping in the car with Tommy and Joe we drove over to the venue to kick off an early morning challenge with about 100 people in the earliest <a href="WWW.SPARTANRACE.COM" target="_blank">Spartan Race</a> Heat – the Hurricane Heat.&nbsp; Born in the belly of a hurricane it’s a heat that’s about everything BUT racing, it’s about making connections, completing tasks in extreme conditions and Malibu was the newest installment of an experience that was constantly evolving.&nbsp; In the Hurricane Heat, I’m acting as facilitator not as the participant.&nbsp; And it’s a new game when you’re on the other side of the ball.&nbsp; </p> <a name='more'></a> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-sEqk42kbZLk/TtFNs10bRBI/AAAAAAAABoA/9MdtzUyQ2gw/s1600-h/hurricane-irene-satellite-picture-mdn%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 8px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="hurricane-irene-satellite-picture-mdn" border="0" alt="hurricane-irene-satellite-picture-mdn" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZmNg8zNbGsY/TtFNtc95zeI/AAAAAAAABoI/yksI7Ud1Q_U/hurricane-irene-satellite-picture-mdn_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="154" height="204"></a>The Hurricane Heat had noble and humble beginnings.&nbsp; When the East Coast was threatened with a hurricane the <a href="WWW.SPARTANRACE.COM" target="_blank">Spartan Race</a> set for Amesbury, MASS on Sunday was cancelled when the state pulled our permits.&nbsp; In a last minute monumental effort, we secured new permits for early Saturday morning and offered a bibless, chipless crack at the course for any runner’s scheduled for Sunday so that they could get a chance to run the course.&nbsp; It lasted nearly three hours for the 235 people there. </p> <p>What was sandbag carrying and burpees in Amesbury had become something altogether different on the distant coast of Malibu or even <a href="http://carriea81.blogspot.com/2011/10/what-they-carried.html" target="_blank">Staten Island, the HH I previously wrote about.</a>&nbsp; Now, the event was more organized, more focused.&nbsp; There was mandatory gear, team-based challenges, and timelines dictated during this event.&nbsp; I could feel my heart beating in my chest with excitement.&nbsp; I love race day.&nbsp; Ask anyone.&nbsp; I could hardly slept, it was like Christmas morning.&nbsp; I was anxious to get started.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-D-Ny_HT5CzU/TtFNts0fJCI/AAAAAAAABoQ/4-9fAgVezr0/s1600-h/6a00d8341c84c753ef0134876fa0ee970c-320wi%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 4px 6px 4px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="6a00d8341c84c753ef0134876fa0ee970c-320wi" border="0" alt="6a00d8341c84c753ef0134876fa0ee970c-320wi" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QcJPCMfUR5M/TtFNt_-RlHI/AAAAAAAABoU/7kCRcDi2w6U/6a00d8341c84c753ef0134876fa0ee970c-320wi_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="204" height="154"></a>The groups started arriving to the dark parking lot, their lights breaking through the darkness and I could feel the anticipation building and the apprehension of the unknown in the air.&nbsp; Their faces harsh and masked in the darkness made it hard to see what lay in their eyes.&nbsp; Fear, confidence, uncertainty?&nbsp; For all of us, it was like holding a breath…This blog post could easily be about the tasks and the events of the day, the runners gathering and coming together, the crazy things that were asked and executed, but the compelling nature of this event was the transition from darkness to light.&nbsp; From the unknown to the accomplished.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> <p>Leading the teams out into the mountains and valleys of Malibu no one but myself and <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9zGsCSK18l0/TtFNufCQNJI/AAAAAAAABoc/F3XSzPjVmVI/s1600-h/308183_2604195311742_1460645644_2922421_902611726_n%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 7px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="308183_2604195311742_1460645644_2922421_902611726_n" border="0" alt="308183_2604195311742_1460645644_2922421_902611726_n" align="right" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-BuapqR2PsDk/TtFNusjcJQI/AAAAAAAABok/slLcKAXD67U/308183_2604195311742_1460645644_2922421_902611726_n_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="204" height="154"></a>another knew the trails and routes we’d take and the anxiety was quickly crushed by the physicality of what we demanded.&nbsp; Over and over the groups were made to carry, made to hold, made to be in physical contact with one another compounding into half of the group being blindfolded and led back to the place where we began as the sun was just beginning to rise over the valley.&nbsp; When blindfolds were finally removed, the sun was rising high and strong in the sky and the mood was lifted.&nbsp; </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zE_JkMCiJLM/TtFNvYoDVpI/AAAAAAAABos/fLSTrQQbPpU/s1600-h/380936_2604250193114_1460645644_2922440_773726664_n%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 8px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="380936_2604250193114_1460645644_2922440_773726664_n" border="0" alt="380936_2604250193114_1460645644_2922440_773726664_n" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sHIhaHaHB1s/TtFNvlFyRsI/AAAAAAAABo0/sJgkNPsRAj0/380936_2604250193114_1460645644_2922440_773726664_n_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="204" height="154"></a>However shivering and cold, despite being fatigued and cramping, seeing the the sun was like injecting a new life into the 100 or so people who had been in motion for over three hours.&nbsp; By the end of the morning, all tasks completed and in the light of day, their faces were not shrouded from my view.&nbsp; There was happiness.&nbsp; Happiness in finishing something that four hours earlier was unknown, and waited for them in bush trails, switchbacks, culverts, barbed wire low crawls, and over walls while blindfolded.&nbsp; This heat wasn’t mine.&nbsp; I can’t claim the accomplishments of the morning.&nbsp; It was theirs, the Malibu Hurricane Heaters.&nbsp; Watching it unfold, commanding it’s pace and execution was it’s own gratification for those of us who led them out and brought them home.&nbsp; </p> <p>It might have been the most beautiful sunrise my eyes have seen.&nbsp; Darkness to light.&nbsp; </p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; width: 448px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:ce394984-159d-452f-b39e-e10710f9efb9" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="e75eabec-9809-4af6-b465-98c9d33b3389" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Ywiu9r-sv0&amp;ob=av2n" target="_new"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bX7kc2OrCX8/TtFNwNL6R_I/AAAAAAAABo4/CbRdhLUYAPU/video4611ea2d83d2%25255B63%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('e75eabec-9809-4af6-b465-98c9d33b3389'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = &quot;&lt;div&gt;&lt;object width=\&quot;448\&quot; height=\&quot;252\&quot;&gt;&lt;param name=\&quot;movie\&quot; value=\&quot;http://www.youtube.com/v/5Ywiu9r-sv0?hl=en&amp;hd=1\&quot;&gt;&lt;\/param&gt;&lt;embed src=\&quot;http://www.youtube.com/v/5Ywiu9r-sv0?hl=en&amp;hd=1\&quot; type=\&quot;application/x-shockwave-flash\&quot; width=\&quot;448\&quot; height=\&quot;252\&quot;&gt;&lt;\/embed&gt;&lt;\/object&gt;&lt;\/div&gt;&quot;;" alt=""></a></div></div></div> Carrie Connorshttps://plus.google.com/107397991918507018563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4539674371581266702.post-58715876086034771202011-11-16T14:09:00.001-08:002011-11-16T15:29:40.229-08:00Girl You Are A Woman<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q7p6xzHXoas/TsQ42zMJESI/AAAAAAAAB8o/jdd2SJgCS4w/s1600/220px-We_Can_Do_It%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q7p6xzHXoas/TsQ42zMJESI/AAAAAAAAB8o/jdd2SJgCS4w/s1600/220px-We_Can_Do_It%2521.jpg" /></a>Why is it we often as women refer to ourselves, our grown selves still as girls. Did we somewhere along the way stop growing up? How is it that so many strong and powerful women find themselves stuck at the adolescence stage referring to each other as gals, girls, or the worst referring to a group of women as "you guys." I know so many strong women, who will slip into calling themselves girls.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Well we aren't girls, we are strong independent grown women and it is time for us to start our own revolution. No, we do not need to storm the streets of New York and camp out for months. This revolution can simply come from a few changes in our own rhetoric. These changes are subtle, but with any revolution will take some effort to implement into daily life. No, I am not asking to change history into herstory. I am also not saying we need to beat down the doors with this revolution.<br /><br />Here is what I am proposing, we are women and strong women at that. We are grown and need to stop referring to ourselves as girls. Let's change Girl's Night Out into Ladies Night Out or Women's Night Out. Let's call it like it is, we are women dammit! Let's start referring to our circle of female friends instead of my girls to my ladies. But please please most of all acknowledge and help me with this one, lets stop referring to a group always as "guys", whether it is mixed company or all women. For me if its a group of women acknowledge this fact, embrace it and rejoice in it.<br /><br />Don't let that, yes you know which one, person automatically refer to a group as "the guys." This is one of my largest pet peeves in life, when someone is talking about a group and automatically goes to the "guys" rhetoric. No, this is somewhat a silent revolution, it is an underground movement, if we alone change our own rhetoric then we can help start to change those around us. Once we make this change maybe we hold our heads a little bit higher, reach for that promotion a little bit harder, because again we are WOMEN. Maybe just maybe after some practice we will stop thinking of ourselves as gals and girls but as the strong independent Spartan Women that we are. For you would never call a grown women in Sparta a girl, so why should be today refer to ourselves in a way that only degrades us in front of our peers. Join me in this revolution, because girl... you are a woman!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowFullScreen='true' webkitallowfullscreen='true' mozallowfullscreen='true' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/JAHA4Jh5jkw?feature=player_embedded' FRAMEBORDER='0' /></div><br /><br />Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07741103578083623986noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4539674371581266702.post-46398544331454969112011-11-15T09:21:00.001-08:002011-11-15T09:21:09.152-08:00ADVENTURE RACING VS. OBSTACLE RACING: Both are Challenging, but the Differences are Significant<p>A Spartan Race White Paper <p><b>By Joe Desena, co-founder, <a href="WWW.SPARTANRACE.COM" target="_blank">Spartan Race</a>, Inc. </b> <p><b>Nov. 9, 2011</b> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-uH-uAUgmOQM/TsKffD6rooI/AAAAAAAABlM/OcAxx2Q2jxo/s1600-h/thebeast-613.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 9px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="thebeast-61" border="0" alt="thebeast-61" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-nd_O5eZEy4U/TsKffrv4IJI/AAAAAAAABlU/qsD7z1VYh98/thebeast-61_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="204" height="137"></a>As the Spartan Race hits the 110,000 competitor mark in 2011, with over 625,000 Facebook likes, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on the difference between an obstacle race and its forerunner, adventure racing. The two are often used interchangeably to the detriment of race organizers and competitors alike. And we should know: our founders are former adventure racers themselves. We’ve paddled with gators, walked through swamps in the jungle for hours, and have been lost at night with just tree bark for food. </p> <a name='more'></a> <p>Technically, when it comes right down to it, the only similarities that obstacle racing has with adventure racing is the running component and the use of obstacles. What might not be as apparent is that both events force you to overcome unpredictable and non-traditional challenges that you would not find in many types of “traditional” endurance events, yielding a greater sense of satisfaction, reward, and much better stories to share for months, if not years after. <p>For example, in adventure racing you might have to paddle a three-person kayak on the<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-icdhl40AUTE/TsKfgBQ7bBI/AAAAAAAABlc/XV1Dey5ZbKo/s1600-h/thebeast-203.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 5px 0px 0px 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="thebeast-20" border="0" alt="thebeast-20" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-g1l-dj3P0aY/TsKfgfArauI/AAAAAAAABlk/bukefUgBbzg/thebeast-20_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="204" height="137"></a> third day of a race on six hours of total sleep in the pitch dark across a 15-mile lake, battling nausea, literally going in circles (and not knowing it), experiencing poor nutrition and hydration, and challenged team dynamics. In an obstacle race you might have to overcome crawling on your belly uphill under 100 yards of razor-sharp barbed wire in the mud. Both are completely different experiences but the outcome is the same: reward for getting through a challenging moment. <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Gxq3gUCHep0/TsKfgrDRu_I/AAAAAAAABls/1BSWIza2GYQ/s1600-h/desena_lg2.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 8px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="desena_lg" border="0" alt="desena_lg" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tz179QGGMEs/TsKfhE47tqI/AAAAAAAABl0/8sTvGROUpb8/desena_lg_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="204" height="204"></a>However, let’s be honest here: certain adventure races involve a lot more hardship and deprivation than a two-hour obstacle race. Adventure races are tough and only feasible for the top 5% of obstacle racers. The requirement to be proficient at navigating, mountain biking, kayaking, running, and operating on very little sleep makes adventure racing not for everyone. <p>That’s where obstacle racing comes in. Like a steeplechase for humans, obstacle racing, often compared to “mud runs,” forces runners to race a course that mixes road racing, trail running, and cross country running with a variety of obstacles throughout the course to test endurance, strength, speed, and dexterity. Obstacle races vary in distance and challenge level from three mile races to near half marathon distances with race organizers generally traveling the country setting up race venues in large cities and encouraging athletes of all types to participate.&nbsp; <p>Runners are often unprepared for impending obstacles that may include going over, under or through various challenges that add additional physical and mental effort. The obstacles run from the traditional – crawling through mud, scaling walls, crawling under walls, and traversing balance beams to the non-traditional: carrying buckets of water, jumping fire, solving puzzles, walking tight ropes, and swimming under wooden planks.&nbsp; <p>Obstacle racing is popular among runners and non-runners alike as competitors must adapt to new and differing elements in the race itself and the training regime for preparing for such events.&nbsp; <p>Nothing against adventure racing mind you, but a well-designed obstacle race is designed to challenge, to push, to intimidate, to test and even to break those brave enough to try. “Fun run” doesn’t apply here. It’s about being uncomfortable, overcoming obstacles and finding out what’s possible when what you expect of yourself is everything. <p><i>Spartan Race, based in Pittsfield, Vermont, plans 35 obstacle races in 2012 in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. For more information: spartanrace.com, spartanrace.tv, Facebook.com/spartanrace.</i> Carrie Connorshttps://plus.google.com/107397991918507018563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4539674371581266702.post-82853203488740148792011-10-30T16:33:00.001-07:002011-10-30T16:33:49.077-07:00No Boys Allowed: Sports Bra 101<p>by Monica Rondon</p> <p>Sorry boys but this one is for the ladies. <p>Being a woman is awesome. However being a woman also often requires extra “equipment”. In the context of racing I am referring of course to the sports bra. I worked for a number of years as a professional bra-fitter at an upscale lingerie/fitting boutique (yes there is such a job and no boys they are not hiring) and over those years amassed a fair amount of training and knowledge, which I would like to share with you. Consider this post Sports Bra 101.</p> <a name='more'></a> <p>1. Why should I wear a sports bra? <p>Now most of you are already convinced of the necessity of a sports bra and if so please skip ahead. To those of you sitting there and thinking “My mosquito bites don’t need support” or “The bra is a just another patriarchal tool of oppression!” or “My awesome cotton/soy/bamboo blended vegan camisole does the trick” stay put and sit tight. <p>Ligaments are connective tissue in your body. Once they stretch out they never shrink back. Your only option for a stretched out ligament is to hope it turns into scar tissue if it is a small stretch or surgery if the stretching the substantial. Now guess what holds your lady bits up? Your Cooper’s ligament! Guess what stretches it out? Exercising with unsupported breasts. This is the case whether you are a 28AA or a 38J. If your Cooper’s ligament stretches out your breast will lose their shape, contour and firmness. <p>When you exercise your breasts move up, down, side to side and in a figure eight. Breasts move between 4cms to 14cms when active. A regular bra reduces bounce by 38% when properly fit*. A sports bra can reduce bounce by up to 70% when fit properly. No bra will eliminate movement entirely but a properly fitting sports bra will significantly reduce the damage of your Cooper’s ligament. <p>*Most women are not wearing a properly fit bra. In a perfect world I would send you all to a great bra fitting boutique and they would fit you for an awesome sports bra. Since I haven’t won the lottery yet keep on reading. <p>2. Okay, I am on board with needing a sports bra, what should I look for in one? <p>Okay pop quiz! Where does the majority of the support come from in a bra? <p>a. The straps <p>b. The cups <p>c. The back/band <p>d. My plastic surgeon <p>If you said “c” you are a winner! Believe it or not, between 60% to 80% of the support in a bra comes from the band distributing the weight of your breasts across your back. I won’t go into the engineering behind this but this why you often hear that most women are wearing the wrong bra size, i.e. a back that is too big and a cup that is too small. <p>This is particularly relevant in the context of sports bras because I bet 90% of you are wearing that super awesome comfy sports bra that you pull over your shoulders to get on because it has no clasps. Don’t shoot the messenger but if the band in your sports bra is big enough to go around your shoulders, it is too big to significantly support your breasts. Slip into your favorite sports bra right now and hook two fingers into sides. Can you pull more than an inch away from each side? Your band is too big. <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QwgoUD0xM1c/Tq3ermrIBWI/AAAAAAAABfw/j9GycEuAQx0/s1600-h/clip_image002%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 8px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="clip_image002" border="0" alt="clip_image002" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-v8qey2gzvpY/Tq3esHo8oNI/AAAAAAAABf4/ZXtzOqK3ZWA/clip_image002_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="204" height="136"></a> <p>Caption: Comfy, cute and too loose in the band. <p>Ideally you want a style of sports bra that has clasps or hook closures in the back or along the sides. CW-X, ShockAbsorber, Anita and Freya all make awesome bras with clasps. You also want a clasp with multiple rows of hooks. Why? Well the band is made of elastic, which will break down over time as it absorbs the sweat and oil produced by your body. So if you buy a sports bra that fits snugly on the loosest set of hooks when new as the band breaks down and stretches out you can move onto the next set of hooks and continue to get an awesome snug fitting back. <p>Your band should always run parallel to the ground. <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-tPf02ece7B8/Tq3esZ8S5KI/AAAAAAAABgA/yLZj6H0K12o/s1600-h/clip_image004%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 9px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="clip_image004" border="0" alt="clip_image004" align="right" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sjd68JCKqEg/Tq3esqNa7YI/AAAAAAAABgE/jSnZhg4ESUs/clip_image004_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="204" height="136"></a> <p>Caption: Snug back sitting parallel to the floor. <p>&nbsp; <p>When your band rides up it acts like a seesaw and drops your breasts forwards. Dropping breast=droopy breasts=poor support. <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SmmUtzG7LUU/Tq3eszYHkoI/AAAAAAAABgQ/9zK4zz3E4bk/s1600-h/clip_image006%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 8px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="clip_image006" border="0" alt="clip_image006" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-t_VKXnr5bVY/Tq3et7RLigI/AAAAAAAABgY/U-_UgkNXDrU/clip_image006_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="204" height="136"></a> <p>Caption: Too loose back riding up up. <p>3. But I love my super comfy over the shoulder sports bra from Nike, Brooks, Lululemon etc. <p>Yes most athletic apparel companies make bras that go over your shoulder and yes they are all producer fantastic athletic apparel. And if they invested nearly in much in the design of their bras as they did in their shoes, yoga pants etc. they would make more bras with clasps. But they don’t have to because we as consumers keep buying crappy sports bras with backs/bands that are too big. So if we keep buying them, why would they stop making them? <p>I am not trying to hate. I worked for Lululemon before I became a fitter and still love many of their products. But if you want your girls to stay where they are ditch your over the shoulder bra. Or do what I do and save the cute bra for race day when someone might be snapping your photo. <p>4. Okay now I am pretty bitter about losing my comfy sports bra but what else should I be looking for in a sports bra? <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lnz8ccmxmp8/Tq3euGCI1zI/AAAAAAAABgc/XeqLXlOCaxw/s1600-h/clip_image008%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 5px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="clip_image008" border="0" hspace="12" alt="clip_image008" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xeCrxSSG-wM/Tq3euAU2l4I/AAAAAAAABgk/VasCSv19ziA/clip_image008_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="204" height="184"></a>There are two basic types of sports bras: compression and encapsulation. Most of us already own a compression sports bra, which reduces bounces by compressing the breasts back down. <p>Caption: Compression Bra <p>Compression bras are great for smaller to midsize breast ladies. This correlates roughly to a 32A to 38B/38C if you haven’t been properly fit. For my ladies that have been to a fitting boutique and understand the conspiracy that is bra sizing in major retailers like Victoria Secrets, compression bras fit well from a 28AA up to 36/38E in North American sizing and a 36/38F French sizing. <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3KgqKsIxZ_E/Tq3eublw-fI/AAAAAAAABgs/z44We5K2ODk/s1600-h/clip_image010%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="clip_image010" border="0" hspace="12" alt="clip_image010" align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-DKGlORURyPc/Tq3euw0wJ4I/AAAAAAAABg0/DWh7T_ukSdQ/clip_image010_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="204" height="199"></a> <p>If you are a fuller breasted lady or your breasts are particularly full on top you have probably found that traditional compression bras tend to pop your breasts out the top and create what we professionals call “the dreaded double boob”. This the phenomenon where by a cup that is too small cuts into the top of breast pushing it up and out. This results in cleavage up to the clavicle and whilst it looks sexy in Rihanna’s music videos it most assuredly is not going to help get you pass that dude in front of you. <p>You ladies might want to explore the encapsulation bra. This type of bra separates the breasts and encapsulates each breast in a web of support. The encapsulation bra is significantly more supportive than the compression and in my experience as a bra fitter can be life changing for fuller breasted women who enjoy an active and challenging lifestyle. The catch is that you aren’t going to be winning any beauty pageants wearing this style as it does tend to produce a very perky retro shape. But if your biggest concern whilst kicking ass is “do my breasts look round enough?”, I would argue that you maybe need to reprioritize and save the glam for your post-ass kickery celebration. <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-tXeC_eL3Jt4/Tq3evJMTfZI/AAAAAAAABhA/-lekFKkYDtc/s1600-h/clip_image012%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="clip_image012" border="0" hspace="12" alt="clip_image012" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-sL0_deMmxfA/Tq3evjgX-QI/AAAAAAAABhI/pZ6TnytBnwk/clip_image012_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="204" height="109"></a> <p>Caption:Encapsulation bras. <p>Also keep in mind with encapsulation styles of sports bra that their primary function is to provide awesome support. Thus the fabric used is usually tougher and has less give. For women breaking in this style of bra I typically recommend applying a layer of anti-blistering lubricant to prevent any chaffing when you first start wearing in the bra. Sports bras are like shoes, always give yourself time to break them in. <p>Other things to look for…Your breasts should not be popping out of the sides or top of your bra. When you try your bra on do the movements you plan on doing in the bra. If you are a runner, run in place. Cyclist? Sit down and hunch forward. Climber? Stretch out and reach for stuff. You straps should be snug but not too firm. <p>5. Okay crazy bra lady I am on board, I want a great bra but I just went down to my local Target, Walmart, Zellars etc. and they don’t have anything like what you described. <p>The brutal sucky truth is that if you want a fantastic sports bra that will keep your breasts rocking out for decades to come you are probably not going to find it at a discount. A good sports bra is like a good pair of running shoes. <p>And not to get all righteous but a good sports bra should cost more than your sassy “Will Run for Chocolate” shirt. Why? Like a running shoe or any other athletic shoes a good sports bra has a team of engineers behind it. It has to do more for your body than look good and wick away moisture. A good sports bra is controlling for motion, momentum, density and all that other physics stuff. Many of us don’t balk at $100 running shoes and have ten plus running tanks and tees at least $15 a pop. But tell us we should spend more than $25 on a sports bra and that is way too much. <i>You are probably not going to find a good sports bra for under $50.</i> But like your running shoes, one or two sports bras can be worn with a whole lot of different running outfits and a sports bra does a hell of a lot more than make you look good. So the next time you head out to pick up yet another tank or tee, ask yourself if you really need it and whether or not that money wouldn’t be better spent on saving up for one or two really good sports bras you can wear with every sports outfit. <p>6. Alright, I did the deed and bought the right bra. Now how do I make this bad boy last and really get my monies worth? <p>I don’t know about you but if I spend money on something I want it to last. The good news is that buy investing in a good sports bra you have already invested in better quality and longer product lifespan. <p>Bras should ALWAYS be hand-washed. As a bra fitter I have seen too many beautiful bras die a premature death at the hands of the washing machine. The majority of support comes from the band, which is made of elastic, which stretches. Your washing machine is incapable of human judgment and cannot determine when it is stressing or stretching the band. <p>The gold standard in bra care is to hand-wash in cold water with a soap that won’t leave residue. I am a fan of Soak, a biodegradable hand-wash detergent that does all the work for you. No scrubbing no rubbing just soaking. However I am also a busy/lazy lady so the next easiest care option for your sports bra is to take it in the shower with you post workout. I am not kidding. You are hand-washing yourself, why not take an extra 30 seconds and do your sports bra too? Yes the warm water of the shower is not ideal for the elastic but it is better than your washing machine. <p>The reason I am a fan of the shower method of sports bra care is that you should really be washing your sports bra every time you wear again. Like I said before, the sweat and oil from your body is what breaks the band down so the more you wash it, the longer it lasts. <p>It is time to replace your sports bra when the band no longer sits parallel to the floor even on the tightest set of hooks. If you have cared for your sports bra properly you should have gotten at least a year and half out of it but likely longer. Again, I am sure some of you have been wearing the same sports bra for the four years. How many pairs of running shoes did you have to replace in that time? <p>7. Alright, so what should I really take away from this? <p>This is just a guide of recommendations from a bra fitter. If you cannot find a back closure bra in your area or budget don’t panic, just try and follow as many good practices in fit and care as you can. <p>· You need a sports bra regardless of your size. <p>· Buy a sports bra with clasps that fits snug enough in the band to sit parallel to the floor. <p>· If you are fuller breasted check out an encapsulation style of sports bra. <p>· Give yourself time to break your sports bra in the same as you would a pair of shoes. <p>· Your sports bras are like shoes. They are going to cost more than your tee-shirts and tanks because they are going to do more for your body and more design went into them. <p>· Hand-wash your sports every time you wear them and replace them when the band no longer sits parallel to the floor. <p>· Great sports bra companies: Anita, ShockAbsorber, CW-X, Freya and Enell <p>Enjoy your new sports bras ladies and keep up the chicking! Carrie Connorshttps://plus.google.com/107397991918507018563noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4539674371581266702.post-11187639836774890012011-10-30T14:53:00.001-07:002011-10-30T14:53:24.316-07:00Chicago Hurricane Heat<p>by Michael Vidas, Hurricane Heat Chicago, Class of 2011</p> <p>[Note: While NOT a chick, Mike’s account of the HH is a great one and many of our Spartan Chicks were in attendance!]</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1UFPL3AdQao/Tq3HRmK9lEI/AAAAAAAABeg/vu_CZy63Dkk/s1600-h/n668534842_1928314_79210312.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 6px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="n668534842_1928314_7921031" border="0" alt="n668534842_1928314_7921031" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-eOL_t41IgAE/Tq3HR7Qy1hI/AAAAAAAABeo/NAJB6C_ttGQ/n668534842_1928314_7921031_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="204" height="154"></a>I came into the Chicago Hurricane Heat with no idea of what to expect. I was told to show up with a head lamp, two glow sticks, and to be ready to get dirty. I was informed that this will be like nothing I have ever done before. That I will be challenged in ways that I hadn’t even thought of before. <p>Everything I was told was absolutely correct. </p> <a name='more'></a> <p>I had never entered a Spartan Race, or any other similar event prior to this heat, but <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-86mcYJOX6a8/Tq3HSVykDgI/AAAAAAAABew/s_5b1Y8dwzs/s1600-h/imagejpeg_2_412.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 4px 0px 4px 7px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="imagejpeg_2_41" border="0" alt="imagejpeg_2_41" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-F8TszMqapNw/Tq3HSsJbOkI/AAAAAAAABe4/LBSqmCs9Ye8/imagejpeg_2_41_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="204" height="183"></a>after spending half a decade as a rescue swimmer with the US Navy, I felt I had probably been in a similar place. I was both right and wrong. I know a few things about pushing limits, and pushing beyond what you’ve thought you were capable of. But this is a different animal. <p>In ancient Sparta, when the army would roll into combat they would walk closely shields up knowing that in teamwork lies safety.&nbsp; In fact, the penalty for losing your spear or helmet was a fine, the penalty for losing your shield was death. The group came before the individual.&nbsp; The famous phalanx was a Spartan invention. Combining many shields into one to form an invincible fortress.&nbsp; Out of many, one. A mantra so meaningful and lasting that its printed on every single piece of currency used in America. Every person, from Sparta to the Middle East, that walks into combat knows that the person next to them is, at that moment, is the most important person in the world. This is the order of the day at a Spartan Hurricane Heat. <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7aHFgxhqzsk/Tq3HTCXCgAI/AAAAAAAABfA/F9q6Or15XcU/s1600-h/294284_287381724624262_1000005731188.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 7px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="294284_287381724624262_100000573118806_1073019_193945489_n" border="0" alt="294284_287381724624262_100000573118806_1073019_193945489_n" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5MyE8Mbr5ic/Tq3HTUoOhqI/AAAAAAAABfI/iWTxUio4QV8/294284_287381724624262_1000005731188%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="204" height="154"></a>The Hurricane Heat isn’t a race. That was made apparent at the very beginning. There were no clocks, there were no timing chips. Just a bunch of athletes from different backgrounds with a desire to overcome anything that we encountered. And overcome we did. <p>A pitch black night, our paths lit only by the headlamps of 20 other strangers, we took off into the Illinois woods. While travelling through knee deep mud and chest high water, we were directed around the course by our Spartan staff leader completing various obstacles and always, ALWAYS moving as unit. If one of us couldn’t run, we would all walk, if one couldn’t walk, we would all crawl, and if one couldn’t crawl, we would carry them. Out of many, one.<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jlxlJOEaKFc/Tq3HTy0-gBI/AAAAAAAABfQ/2PoM1HmUsQU/s1600-h/310861_287382051290896_1000005731188%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 7px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="310861_287382051290896_100000573118806_1073026_2090715564_n" border="0" alt="310861_287382051290896_100000573118806_1073026_2090715564_n" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kdvnn11RnY4/Tq3HUFM5UYI/AAAAAAAABfY/C5SsgJE4Czw/310861_287382051290896_1000005731188.jpg?imgmax=800" width="204" height="166"></a> <p>In my life, I have completed many, many obstacle courses built by some of the hardest people on earth. I’ve even done them everywhere from Iraq to Maine, from Afghanistan to panama, wherever they said go, I went. I have never been presented with the challenges of this hurricane heat. A cargo net is one thing, a cargo net while holding an egg in one hand and being faced with the added challenge of having two out of our unit of 22 not being able to touch the net, makes it insanely more complicated. <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qzJQMMptwtM/Tq3HUvfKzaI/AAAAAAAABfg/ouGNIA92WTY/s1600-h/299318_287380474624387_1000005731188%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 7px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="299318_287380474624387_100000573118806_1072993_1494335144_n" border="0" alt="299318_287380474624387_100000573118806_1072993_1494335144_n" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OQEQOvWsV9w/Tq3HU86hwvI/AAAAAAAABfo/b-Pe2tNfaDU/299318_287380474624387_1000005731188.jpg?imgmax=800" width="204" height="154"></a>Nothing put before us was impossible. Nothing put before us was easy. We accomplished every task, we did every burpee. We started as a bunch of athletes on a field, we ended as one TEAM of very muddy Spartans. </p> <p>Out of many, one.</p> Carrie Connorshttps://plus.google.com/107397991918507018563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4539674371581266702.post-60625952753951430322011-10-26T21:19:00.000-07:002011-10-26T21:38:58.176-07:00Spartan Chicked...The Beginnings<div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C7OjHpj1VsA/TjshkiF-RiI/AAAAAAAABO4/wtlrx3Q7KqU/s1600/logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C7OjHpj1VsA/TjshkiF-RiI/AAAAAAAABO4/wtlrx3Q7KqU/s200/logo.png" width="200" /></a></div>She had an idea, an idea to create an army, an army of women who know no fear, and would be willing to take on the mighty Beast that is Spartan Race. Well, when Spartan Race Brand Manager, <a href="http://carriea81.blogspot.com/">Carrie Adams</a>, envisioned the Spartan Chicked Army she knew it would be something special.&nbsp;It all started with an email July 5, 2011 -<br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>"Hey ladies...</i></span><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>So we are all doing the Beast and I thought we could go as a "Team" with Spartan chicked gear and promote strong, awesome women. </i></span><i>Tara the raddest graphic designer I know is putting together a logo and we'll get matching shirts ordered. &nbsp;I want to have 10 on our team if we can, so if you know any others, let me know!!! &nbsp;It's not about speed or ability either. &nbsp;&nbsp;</i></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>For the race, my thought is - run YOUR race. &nbsp;We run as a team in spirit but races are about meeting your goals so if you want to break out, by all means, it would be AWESOME for one of our ladies to come in first....</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>So, Tara can you send us some shirt options? &nbsp;Performance gear is preferred in my opinion so NOT COTTON and in black. &nbsp;Tank tops. &nbsp;</i></span><i>What do you all think? &nbsp;:-)</i></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Carrie"</i></span></div></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i></i></span><br /><a name='more'></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">From this simple email to <a href="http://www.katymccabe.com/">Katy McCabe</a>, Grace Coumo Durfee, Shonda Morris, <a href="http://mscanspartan.blogspot.com/">Maurya Scanlon</a>, Tara Julian (our graphic designer), Lisa Madden and myself (<a href="http://www.dirtinyourskirt.com/">Margaret Schlachter</a>). These were Carrie's original recruits to the Spartan Chicked Army. Handpicked for different reasons, to start her army.&nbsp;</span>Little did we know back then where this short email would lead us all!</div><div><br /></div><div>Over the next few days emails went back and forth we all helped pick out the Spartan Chicked Uniform. For a while we dubbed ourselves the "Best Roller Derby Team EVA" as at one point the socks were going to be black and pink striped. At this time we had added another woman to the team, Stacy Schuler, our army was slowly growing and by July 7, 2011 we had an official uniform.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AwibokJDRBo/TkBZYNL53cI/AAAAAAAABPc/uS3bkHRv4uM/s1600/262491_2233439203071_1460645644_2599007_7174943_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AwibokJDRBo/TkBZYNL53cI/AAAAAAAABPc/uS3bkHRv4uM/s400/262491_2233439203071_1460645644_2599007_7174943_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Along the way we picked up <a href="http://www.monstervsbeast.wordpress.com/">Alyssa Tokorcheck</a> and <a href="http://cruising4abruising.wordpress.com/">Monica Rondon</a>, these two both had registered for the BEAST and were hesitant about running it alone. They found each other on the Spartan Race Facebook Page and decided to team up. Right away Carrie knew they needed to be on our Chicked Team, even changing their heat times to ensure they ran with this new army.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>As the weeks went on my conversations with Carrie became almost daily. Not only were we creating an army of women but also quickly I was finding an amazing network of women who were into the same "crazy" races I was. Our army continued to grow and Sherry Post enlisted.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>Carrie and Spartan Race have a way of sucking you in, next thing you know I was acting as the Spartan Chicked Team Manager. A title I would officially earn after car troubles sidelined a few teammates (Carrie, Katy, and Maurya) the night before the race. A week before the event I was getting all the women's names and uniform sizes. Carrie and I went up to communicating through Skype about twice a day, maybe more. Final plans were made for Lisa, Katy, Maurya, and Carrie to stay with me here in Killington. Interviews and camera crew were set to capture all the action of the first race with the Spartan Chicks. A recon mission of the mountain might also had popped up on YouTube for the ladies along the way.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>As of race day Carrie's dream of a Spartan Chicked Team (Army) had become a reality and what started out as seven women had grown to seventeen. The original list was:</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://carriea81.blogspot.com/">Carrie Adams</a>*</div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EEoBruBusJI/TqjZ-O-8eeI/AAAAAAAABrc/QAJrrTy7CW0/s1600/287572_2109900761028_1650872179_2144582_5464188_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EEoBruBusJI/TqjZ-O-8eeI/AAAAAAAABrc/QAJrrTy7CW0/s400/287572_2109900761028_1650872179_2144582_5464188_o.jpg" width="400" /></a>Grace Coumo Durfee*</div><div><a href="http://www.katymccabe.com/">Katy McCabe</a>*</div><div>Shonda Morris</div><div>Lisa Madden*</div><div><a href="http://mscanspartan.blogspot.com/">Maurya Scanlon</a>*</div><div><a href="http://www.dirtinyourskirt.com/">Margaret Schlachter</a>*</div><div>Stacy Schuler</div><div><a href="http://cruising4abruising.wordpress.com/">Monica Rondon</a>*</div><div><a href="http://www.monstervsbeast.wordpress.com/">Alyssa Tokorcheck</a>*</div><div>Sherry Post</div><div>Samantha Dodd</div><div>Angela Kalai</div><div>Marissa McGuirk</div><div>Lisa Demetrio</div><div>Jane Miglis</div><div>Barbara Olsen</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">* Indicates ran in Competitive Heat.&nbsp;</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Our team on race day spanned over 20 years and represented nine states and we even had one international from Canada. Although the team did not all race together that day they all carried the Spartan Chicked Spirit. A core group of women ran in the competitive heat, ready to take on Spartan Race's best all shrouded in our official Spartan Chicked Uniform.</div><div><br /></div><div>To Be Continued....</div>Margarethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07741103578083623986noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4539674371581266702.post-7542704706213995852011-10-21T12:05:00.001-07:002011-10-21T12:05:14.325-07:00My Children<h5>by <a href="http://www.leavingapath.com" target="_blank">Carrie Adams</a></h5> <p>Originally posted in <a href="http://www.leavingapath.com">www.leavingapath.com</a> </p> <p><i>"The soul is healed by being with children." — Fyodor Dostoyevsky</i> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xCfxuCbd5rs/TqHCaB2UuvI/AAAAAAAABbk/hRq2tCXfa5I/s1600-h/Carrie111%252520546%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 7px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Carrie111 546" border="0" alt="Carrie111 546" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-dE1w_3T-i9Q/TqHCafwN7qI/AAAAAAAABbs/JruCbSO2_1M/Carrie111%252520546_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="204" height="154"></a> <p>This post is a love letter to my daughters Taylor and Caitlyn...</p> <p> During a particularly rough patch this past year I took a trip to Florida.&nbsp; This is what I wrote about it. </p> <p>I have spent the last six days surrounded in almost every moment of the day and night by my girls.&nbsp; From the blurring moments of waking and getting out the door a week ago at 5:45 AM for an early flight, buckling them both securely into their plane seats to this very moment, an angelic three year old breathing rhythmically beside me exhaustion finally forcing her to into a deep and seemingly dreamless sleep.&nbsp; </p> <a name='more'></a> <p>She is silent... an unusual <a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-2W22HAvvcVs/TYlGiOtOGXI/AAAAAAAAArM/UPq3K7fECRM/s1600/catey.jpg"><img style="margin: 6px 0px 7px 7px" title="clip_image002" border="0" alt="clip_image002" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_1llAqyk1j8I/Tc9MCy94IoI/AAAAAAAAA-o/dmNtklfivV4/clip_image002%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="204" height="124"></a>state...her small chubby right hand clinging to the folds of my t-shirt, Oreo crumbs on her lips and cheeks her blonde hair wild around her face, some ruddiness on her cheeks earned beneath the intense Floridian sun these past several days.&nbsp; She is peaceful and she is happy even in the depth of her slumber.&nbsp; A smirk escapes my lips.&nbsp; </p> <p>Her older sister, watching TV casually leans over and kisses my cheek and mumbles, "I love you mom... g'night." slipping almost immediately into her own deep sleep.&nbsp; I am surrounded by more wealth in this moment than any other in my lifetime.&nbsp; The weight of that is not lost on me.&nbsp; </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sjAf45zdBp4/TYlSS3ZWR5I/AAAAAAAAArk/sCvF6ICMqg8/s1600/tayandcatey.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 8px 0px 0px; display: inline; float: left" title="clip_image003" border="0" alt="clip_image003" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_1llAqyk1j8I/Tc9MDEVaiAI/AAAAAAAAA-s/eWndma_PO_U/clip_image003%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="204" height="124"></a> <p>The physicality of that closeness to my girls has been like medicine injected directly into my soul.&nbsp; I started this week reading Sartre, wallowing in the heaviness that I have experienced over the last year or so and feeling ultimately quite sorry for myself in the process.&nbsp; I was certain, just <i>certain</i> that if I became reflective and lost in the depths of reading and listening and observing I would find something.&nbsp; But there was no need for searching in the first place.&nbsp; Irony, as it appears, has a way of completely effing with me. </p> <p><i>"You will never be happy if you continue to search for what happiness consists of. You will never live if you are looking for the meaning of life." — Albert Camus</i></p> <p><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-icBovO3FsUY/TYlHPrThNVI/AAAAAAAAArU/EHyKHbYo1t4/s1600/feet.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 8px 0px 0px" title="clip_image004" border="0" alt="clip_image004" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_1llAqyk1j8I/Tc9MDX2wMuI/AAAAAAAAA-w/jzXRbedrj_8/clip_image004%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="204" height="124"></a> <p>This week I tired of intellectualizing my life away... I can say now how wrong that was.&nbsp; There is a time for everything... this week needed to be about <i>feeling.</i>&nbsp; I needed to <i>live</i> in the most primal sense of the word.&nbsp; <p>Healing came in the form of all things physical... laughing -&nbsp; belly laughs so hearty and complete my side nearly split and my cheeks were sore and ached to the touch.&nbsp; Eating -&nbsp; hearty meals of fresh healthy foods piles of fish and fruit and vegetables so many colors and flavors my senses barely had time to recalibrate.&nbsp; Drinking - wine, yes, wine.&nbsp; Every night in fact, just enough to savor and appreciate in the glow of a sunset white, crystal sand grains nestled between my toes and then surrendering to the bubbles of the hot tub rising around and beneath me.&nbsp; <p>I spent many moments closing my eyes and just <i>letting my senses drive</i>...&nbsp; The cool breezes off the water on my red, stinging skin and the warm sun and water on my face and body drying in a lounge chair without a towel watching the water droplets dry up in the heat of the day the hot sun overhead doing all the heavy lifting.&nbsp; Running the beach, yes running<i></i>... smelling salt, watching dolphins play in the surf and feeling so small and so strong in the same moment I could hardly breathe when I let it all hit me.&nbsp;&nbsp; <p><a name="more"></a> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FeWnAKkMTVc/TYlNAhF7d6I/AAAAAAAAArg/v25ZKuipTmY/s1600/Carrie+parasailing+039.JPG"><img title="clip_image005" border="0" alt="clip_image005" align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_1llAqyk1j8I/Tc9MDnyfnwI/AAAAAAAAA-0/BewPLf-MdDI/clip_image005%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="204" height="138"></a>Physically rising up into the sky on a parasailing adventure with my daughter I won't ever forget and not for the moments in the air, but everything around it, her apprehension and fear, wordlessly slipping her hand into mine on the boat, meeting my eyes with trepidation as we were clipped in, and taking a deep breath as our toes lifted off the boat deck.&nbsp; Ultimately trust won out -&nbsp; trust in me, in my strength and in my capability and then the release of her fear into pure joy in the flight our feet dangling above the sea and sand.&nbsp; My heart nearly burst in my chest watching her accept and then welcome it all...&nbsp; <p><i>"Beauty will save the world" — Fyodor Dostoyevsky</i> <p>I can't remember a time when so many contented, happy sighs escaped my lips and the burden of the real world felt like a muffled, distant cry that I could easily ignore.&nbsp; My children, my beautiful children laughing, playing, and calling to me from the beach, the pool, the sidewalk, making me feel their love in every smile, bubbling laugh, in every footstep, and in every moment.&nbsp; It was like being immersed constantly in blessings and a barrage of sensory proportions I haven't experienced to this magnitude. I was thankful for the reminder.&nbsp; <p><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-9dcL7-IWvCQ/TYlJJApsI_I/AAAAAAAAArc/unhC5-XsdBw/s1600/onaboat1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 8px 0px 0px; display: inline; float: left" title="clip_image006" border="0" alt="clip_image006" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_1llAqyk1j8I/Tc9MD0JWSBI/AAAAAAAAA-4/fTt_-qlzkPY/clip_image006%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="204" height="124"></a> <p><i>‎"Happiness is to be found along the way, not at the end of the road, for then the journey is over and it is too late. Today, this hour, this minute is the day, the hour, the minute for each of us to sense the fact that life is good, with all of its trials and troubles, and perhaps more interesting because of them." - Robert R. Updegraf</i> <p>How often do we just live, do we just feel, do we just let life happen to us without trying to figure out what it all means?&nbsp; Maybe that's the trick... finding the balance between what is and what we envision.... realizing that maybe what we hope and plan for is a shadow of what's real?&nbsp; Relinquishing control, letting what we <i>want</i> and what<i>is</i> become one and the same... because what we are given is often more than we need and far more than we deserve.&nbsp; I was reminded this week that what I have is so much, more than I could even process moment to moment.&nbsp; These two beautiful girls are my compass, my physical connection to so much more beyond myself and I needed to be reminded of what that <i>feels</i> like.&nbsp; Because feeling is real, feeling hurts and scars and beautifies and reminds... feeling is living.&nbsp; <p><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Vjfvjq53xbE/TYlT-K6IfsI/AAAAAAAAAro/Mw8KOWoPZ88/s1600/parasailing.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 7px; display: inline; float: right" title="clip_image007" border="0" alt="clip_image007" align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_1llAqyk1j8I/Tc9MELBxelI/AAAAAAAAA-8/12X1fOvVbyc/clip_image007%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="204" height="124"></a> <p>So, to my beautiful, fragile, and graceful daughters - thank you for the reminder that life is something I have to embrace, enjoy, and experience without a filter... I am nothing without you...&nbsp; Carrie Connorshttps://plus.google.com/107397991918507018563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4539674371581266702.post-49303676910640398772011-10-21T10:12:00.001-07:002011-10-21T10:12:48.018-07:00Never Gone<p>by <a href="http://carriea81.blogspot.com/2011/10/never-gone.html" target="_blank">Carrie Adams</a></p> <p>Originally posted on my blog <a href="http://www.leavingapath.com">www.leavingapath.com</a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-av7WqHKYH9c/TqGoC-VZlzI/AAAAAAAABZ4/tnC8oGrrPJE/s1600-h/alone%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 5px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="alone" border="0" alt="alone" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-phUQtwmZgw0/TqGoDVm9uWI/AAAAAAAABaA/igrdFyzbg3E/alone_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="204" height="162"></a>Without hesitation I can articulate that I believe that life is such a series of moments strung together in a pattern that makes no sense to anyone outside the person experiencing it directly.&nbsp; Your life is just that.&nbsp; YOURS.&nbsp; I can’t feel what you feel, you can’t possibly begin to understand my experience and how that’s helped to mold me, change me, make me the being I am in this moment.&nbsp; There’s the surrender we each face and have to acknowledge and appreciate the place that pain holds in our lives.&nbsp; We walk alone.&nbsp; OWN that.&nbsp; It’s a heavy burden and sometimes it hurts.&nbsp; </p> <a name='more'></a> <p>Part of human existence is pain and loss.&nbsp; And not the pain of an intense workout – that’s easy to manage.&nbsp; And not the loss of something replaceable, the loss of things you can’t begin to regain or replicate.&nbsp; Physical pain has a playing field that’s predictable and manageable.&nbsp; It’s the pain you have deep in places you can’t touch and no ice bath will cure.&nbsp; It’s loss, it’s sadness, it’s emotional and it’s uncomfortable.&nbsp; It’s not easy to manage and it’s impossible to express.&nbsp; </p> <p>As human beings, we are conditioned to retract when things become not unbearable but even just mildly uncomfortable.&nbsp; It’s not wanting to fully experience the things that face us that we are forced to confront.&nbsp; Do we endure, do we persist, do we move forward or do we back away? Do we choose something <strong><em>else.</em></strong> </p> <p>Despite the things we face and the things we battle there is always a place for love.&nbsp; And I acknowledge that the knowledge I have been seeking is here inside me and it’s always been inside me… the secret, the mystery, the meaning of life. I know the answer now. It’s actually quite simple. It’s that <i>love</i>. Love is what we must seek, what requires vigilant protection, nurturing, reverence, and humility. It doesn’t come without loss and ultimate vulnerability; rarely does it exist without a fight but it nourishes the soul and the very soul of the world. Love is everything. Nothing else matters.</p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; width: 448px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:1739b5eb-7864-46e0-a1d4-c431a673dd90" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="4bf1c199-a1e7-44fd-ac2e-d3b2fdb613b3" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-q2vZptI4Y" target="_new"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XuCWZg0Q57I/TqGoD5V_tlI/AAAAAAAABaI/IGXEDYikWvQ/videob2e53718c534%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('4bf1c199-a1e7-44fd-ac2e-d3b2fdb613b3'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = &quot;&lt;div&gt;&lt;object width=\&quot;448\&quot; height=\&quot;252\&quot;&gt;&lt;param name=\&quot;movie\&quot; value=\&quot;http://www.youtube.com/v/d-q2vZptI4Y?hl=en&amp;hd=1\&quot;&gt;&lt;\/param&gt;&lt;embed src=\&quot;http://www.youtube.com/v/d-q2vZptI4Y?hl=en&amp;hd=1\&quot; type=\&quot;application/x-shockwave-flash\&quot; width=\&quot;448\&quot; height=\&quot;252\&quot;&gt;&lt;\/embed&gt;&lt;\/object&gt;&lt;\/div&gt;&quot;;" alt=""></a></div></div></div> Carrie Connorshttps://plus.google.com/107397991918507018563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4539674371581266702.post-62877668841067837932011-10-18T13:08:00.001-07:002011-10-18T13:11:03.672-07:00Catey Baby Berry Muffins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">by <a href="http://www.leavingapath.com/">Carrie Adams</a></div>Originally posted on <a href="http://www.keepingitclean.org/">www.keepingitclean.org</a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y4Gb4-4OF3k/TWAdhV4tmLI/AAAAAAAAApM/QwcDWg1UD-g/s1600/catey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img align="left" border="0" height="122" j6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y4Gb4-4OF3k/TWAdhV4tmLI/AAAAAAAAApM/QwcDWg1UD-g/s320/catey.jpg" style="display: inline; float: left; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 7px; margin-top: 0px;" width="200" /></a>I am a single mother to two beautiful girls: Taylor and Caitlyn.&nbsp; They are mini clean eaters and love helping me bake and cook.&nbsp; My older daughter Taylor helps me pick out dinner recipes for the week, shops with me and even pitches in on the cooking and cleaning up.&nbsp; My girls often inspire my baking and today after dance class, while still in her tutu, Catey came up to me while I was making protein bars and asked, "Mama, will you make me something sweet?"&nbsp; After my heart melted, I checked the fridge and found that&nbsp; I had plenty of fresh berries and decided to make her some muffins.&nbsp; I threw this together with some nutritional bonuses from the baby food, flax seed, and hemp protein powder.&nbsp; I always put a drop of honey on the top of my muffins for an extra touch of sweetness.&nbsp; They turned out delicious and Catey got her "sweet" for the day. <br /><a name='more'></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NmWC5YEOJv4/TWAdUCuNcHI/AAAAAAAAApI/XpxyXN8dlS8/s1600/muffins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="119" j6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NmWC5YEOJv4/TWAdUCuNcHI/AAAAAAAAApI/XpxyXN8dlS8/s200/muffins.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><strong><u>Catey Baby Berry Muffins</u></strong><br />2 cups white whole wheat flour (for Paleo substitute almond flour or spelt flour)<br />1/3 cup Stevia<br />1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon<br />2 tsp. baking powder<br />1 tsp. baking soda<br />2 TBSP hemp protein<br />2 TBSP flax seed<br />4 egg whites<br />1 tsp. vanilla extract<br />2 serving sizes of sweet potato orchard baby food (about 1/2 a cup)<br />1 cup fresh chopped strawberries<br />1 cup fresh blueberries<br />Honey<br /><br /><b>Directions:</b><br /><br />1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly spray two muffin pans - makes about 18 or so.<br />2.In a large mixing bowl, mix whole wheat white flour, Stevia, cinnamon, baking powder, and baking soda. Set aside.<br />3.In medium mixing bowl, mix together egg whites, hemp protein powder, flax seed, baby food, and vanilla extract.<br />4.Mix the wet mixture into the flour mixture. Fold in the berries.<br />5.Spoon combined batter into lined muffin cups. Top each muffin with a small drop of honey.&nbsp; <br />6.Bake approximately 18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a couple of the muffins comes out clean.Carrie Connorshttps://plus.google.com/107397991918507018563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4539674371581266702.post-58769873413951336232011-10-16T14:58:00.001-07:002011-10-16T14:58:09.562-07:00Nobowl Oatmeal!by Carrie Adams<br><br> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"><a style="margin-bottom: 1em; float: left; clear: left; margin-right: 1em; cssfloat: left" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RquuvBIT7qU/TWVzhvILWtI/AAAAAAAAApY/CZr7GbGfjvE/s1600/oatmeal.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RquuvBIT7qU/TWVzhvILWtI/AAAAAAAAApY/CZr7GbGfjvE/s200/oatmeal.jpg" width="200" height="119" j6="true"></a></div> <p>Originally posted on my clean eating blog <a href="http://www.keepingitclean.org">www.keepingitclean.org</a>!&nbsp; </p> <p>With all the cooking I do, I feel like my arms are constantly submerged in a sink full of bubbles or emptying my dishwasher. I also travel CONSTANTLY and it’s not easy to stay on the clean eating wagon in an airport so I have to prepare!&nbsp; (Paleo enthusiasts don’t fear!&nbsp; You can substitute quinoa for the oatmeal if you like!)</p> <p>Driving with a bowl isn’t recommended and many an evening I have taken a crusted bowl out of my car and labored to scrub off the remaining oats off the sides working up a sweat. I also need to toss things in bags and take them with me so I came up with the perfect solution. With a glass of milk, these oatmeal treats, boasting 6 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber per cookie, are as hearty as bowlful and as healthy too! Grab two on your way out the door for delicious, healthy morning breakfast!<br><br>Ingredients:<br>1 ¼ cup Old Fashion Rolled Oats (Paleo alternative is 1 1/4 cup cooked Quinoa)<br>½ Cup Whole Wheat Pastry Flour (alternative: ½ cup oat pastry powder)<br>2 TBSP Flaxseed<br>1 tsp. cinnamon<br>½ tsp. baking soda<br>¼ tsp. Sea Salt<br>½ cup Agave Nectar (alternative: honey)<br>1 egg white<br>1 TBSP almond butter (alternative 1 TBSP organic peanut butter)<br>1 tsp vanilla<br>¼ cup chocolate chips (alternative: dried fruit, i.e. raisins, craisins, etc)<br>2 TBSP Chia Seeds<br>2 TBSP Hemp Protein Powder<br>¼ cup Sweet potato Puree<br>2 scoops whey protein powder (alternative: 2 scoops soy protein powder)<br><br>Instructions: <br>Preheat oven to 350 degrees<br>Mix Oats, flour, flaxseed, cinnamon, baking soda, chia seeds, hemp protein powder, and sea salt in a large bowl. Combine Agave, egg white, almond butter, vanilla, and sweet potato puree in a medium bowl. Combine the two mixtures. Spoon mixture into 16 or so evenly spaced cookies and flatten slightly with your spoon. <br>Bake 8 – 10 minutes or until golden brown. <br><br>Nutrition Information per cookie: Calories: 117 Carbs: 19 Fat: 2 Protein: 6 Fiber: 3 </p> Carrie Connorshttps://plus.google.com/107397991918507018563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4539674371581266702.post-87341027100199602302011-10-13T20:50:00.001-07:002011-10-14T08:22:26.256-07:00Above Me<p>by Carrie Adams</p> <p>“If I lose the light of the sun, I will write by candlelight, moonlight, no light. If I lose paper and ink, I will write in blood on forgotten walls. I will write always. I will capture nights all over the world and bring them to you”<br>― <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/44736.Henry_Rollins">Henry Rollins</a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-V-IHog38YUg/TpexiDCn0iI/AAAAAAAABXQ/9Y6h9Sj-gQM/s1600-h/fran%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 5px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="fran" border="0" alt="fran" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-i1Lq7Vs9Cr0/TpexiZwL-YI/AAAAAAAABXY/HqJFWiwafGQ/fran_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="204" height="124"></a>Originally posted in <a href="http://www.leavingapath.com.&nbsp; ">www.leavingapath.com.&nbsp; </a></p> <p>My running and training lately has taken on a new dimension. One that’s not singular in nature.&nbsp; So often in a sport that consists of simply putting one foot in front of the other we find ourselves becoming enveloped in self discovery, self reflection, self EVERYTHING. It’s finishing MY race, getting inside MY head, getting MY time, telling MY stories.&nbsp; But, my stories aren’t what compels me these days.</p> <a name='more'></a> <p>I want to tell you the stories of my baby girls, like how the the other day while watching TV I caught my four year old Cate doing sit-ups.&nbsp; When I asked her what she was doing she said simply, “abs.”&nbsp; Or that she runs, everywhere, and joyfully asks me to race or simply invites me to chase her.&nbsp; Or how my older daughter scored three goals in back to back soccer games earning her the nickname “hat trick” and how our time in the backyard has given me a new appreciation for her drive and her commitment to getting better.&nbsp; Finding her own identity as an athlete.<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lr5py-RDZ00/TpexixU0HEI/AAAAAAAABXg/ptWhzK9X0SE/s1600-h/311967_550757311508_73701423_31249778_903838762_n%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="311967_550757311508_73701423_31249778_903838762_n" border="0" alt="311967_550757311508_73701423_31249778_903838762_n" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FXNGEsTk8sY/TpexjJzz35I/AAAAAAAABXo/OEFwcEUP5Ck/311967_550757311508_73701423_31249778_903838762_n_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="154" height="204"></a> <p>It’s my best friend Margaret who went and crewed for two friends in a Triple and Double Ironman event, easily pacing over 40 miles – not one of which was leading her towards her own finish line.&nbsp; <p>I want to tell you about my new friends Irene and Lenny who finished their first races in Staten Island after six months of work and of effort in the making and Irene’s daughter watching her mom cross a finish line and earning more than a medal that morning. <p>Or how my training partner and best friend Casey has returned from back to back injuries and is hitting two a day training sessions and that glow is starting to come back in her smile, in her laugh.&nbsp; Finding herself again.&nbsp; My friend Chris who’s devastating neck injury keeps him from the workouts but not the people he loves in his CrossFit gym.&nbsp; <p>It’s my sister who runs despite pain, discomfort, four kids, full-time schooling, and still finds time to call and ask about my day.&nbsp; It’s my mom who never misses a workout despite shin injuries and constant demands and constantly taking care of others.&nbsp; She’s never let anyone down in her life.&nbsp; She’s who I hope to make proud.&nbsp; It’s my <em>dad</em>.&nbsp; <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-j_R-kK545xk/Tpexjtib8JI/AAAAAAAABXw/JxchiCqL7Gc/s1600-h/canucks%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px 6px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="canucks" border="0" alt="canucks" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VWl0f1iU4Gw/Tpexj6Qh2sI/AAAAAAAABX4/UhZNWtCp2gs/canucks_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="204" height="138"></a>It’s Brent, Alyssa, Shannon, Chris, Mike, Jenny, Katy, Maurya, Monica, Kim, Leyla, Lynn, Todd, Jeff, Ryan, Mike, Keith, Shonda, Rachel, Rodorigo, Sammy, Niki, Shawn, Tom, Angela, David, Wendy, Kat, Brynn, Sarah, Kristina.&nbsp; It’s so many more I don’t have room to name.&nbsp; It’s a reminder that I have so much to be thankful for. <p>I’m given so much, shown so much, reminded so often that it’s so very much NOT about me.&nbsp; It’s about THEM. I’m just lucky to have a front row seat.&nbsp; Carrie Connorshttps://plus.google.com/107397991918507018563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4539674371581266702.post-92154137598660154902011-10-11T21:37:00.001-07:002011-10-11T21:37:54.823-07:00Spartan Radio 16: We Built this City<p>by <a href="http://blog.spartanrace.com/meet-the-spartan-bloggers/" target="_blank">Carrie Adams</a></p> <p>Listen here!&nbsp; <a href="http://radracing.org/2011/10/11/16-spartan-radio-we-built-this-city/">http://radracing.org/2011/10/11/16-spartan-radio-we-built-this-city/</a></p> <p>Spartan Radio is back at it again this week with more guests (so many it was like the opening sequence of Brady Bunch) and all kinds of fun from the comfort and security of our living rooms.&nbsp; Last week – talked about SI and had special guest Irene Mallano and her daughter on the show talking all things Staten Island, so, if you haven’t heard show number 15, get on it!&nbsp;&nbsp; <p>This week was all things Chicago, the Windy City. We’ll be there this weekend and as we heard tonight, the wind is the least of our worries!&nbsp; Cliffs Insane Terrain park is chock full of crazy hills that will undoubtedly be ass kickers so get ready! <p>Mike Morris, Russell Cohen, Todd Sedlak, and Ashley Bond (ahem, she’s a former Miss Illinois and a current Chicago Bulls dancer racing on Saturday) all join me, Shawty, Maurya and Jim for some Spartan chat, some mayhem, some laughs, and Todd’s on top of a mountain in Vermont.&nbsp; True story.&nbsp;&nbsp; <p>Stay tuned: Margo the Great is up next week! <p><a href="http://www.spartanrace.com/chicago-obstacle-racing-spartan-sprint-midwest.html"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Midwest_event_chicagomain" border="0" alt="Midwest_event_chicagomain" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tTNs6t8YSME/TpUZovCu--I/AAAAAAAABWI/3UCzqk8gJMQ/Midwest_event_chicagomain%25255B28%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="204" height="72"></a></p> Carrie Connorshttps://plus.google.com/107397991918507018563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4539674371581266702.post-32456403095174894412011-10-06T09:34:00.001-07:002011-10-06T09:34:55.340-07:00Just Do It<p>by <a href="http://www.leavingapath.com" target="_blank">Carrie Adams</a></p> <p><em><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QfhIk8dVPJ8/To3YlegtUAI/AAAAAAAABU4/wPqTsemWtuw/s1600-h/262491_2233439203071_1460645644_2599007_7174943_n%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 7px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="262491_2233439203071_1460645644_2599007_7174943_n" border="0" alt="262491_2233439203071_1460645644_2599007_7174943_n" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-y2L-QhcPTj8/To3YlgF1i0I/AAAAAAAABU8/tD7AGcxpo8Q/262491_2233439203071_1460645644_2599007_7174943_n_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="204" height="137"></a>This week has been a tough one for me.&nbsp; So busy and chaotic.&nbsp; Been trying to find time, make time, save time.&nbsp; I needed to pause and take a breath and remind myself of all the things that inspire me to keep on keepin’ on.&nbsp; Enjoy.</em>&nbsp; </p> <p>You don't stand in front of a mirror before a run and wonder what the road will think of your outfit. you don't have to listen to its jokes and pretend they're funny in order to run on it. It will not be easier to run if you dress sexier. The road doesn't notice when you're not wearing make up. It does not care how old you are. And you don't feel uncomfortable if you make more money than it. The only thing the road cares about is that you pay it a visit once in a while." - NIKE Goddess</p> <a name='more'></a> <p>"I am a woman, watch me score." - Shirt Slogan</p> <p>"You were born a daughter. You looked up to your mother. You looked up to your father. You looked up at everyone. You wanted to be a princess. You thought you were a princess. You wanted to own a horse. You wanted to be a horse. You wanted your brother to be a horse. You wanted to wear pink. You never wanted to wear pink. You wanted to be a Veterinarian. You wanted to be President. You wanted to be the President's Veterinarian. You were picked last for the team. You were the best one on the team. You refused to be on the team. You wanted to be good in algebra. You hid during algebra. You wanted the boys to notice you. You were afraid the boys would notice you. You started to get acne. You started to get breasts. You started to get acne that was bigger than your breasts. You wouldn't wear a bra. You couldn't wait to wear a bra. You couldn't fit into a bra. You didn't like the way you looked. You didn't like the way your parents looked. You didn't want to grow up. You had your first best friend. You had your first date. You had your second best friend. You had your second first date. You spent hours on the telephone. You got kissed. You got to kiss back. You went to the prom. You didn't go to the prom. You went to the prom with the wrong person. You spent hours on the telephone. You fell in love. You fell in love. You fell in love. You lost your best friend. You lost your other best friend. You really fell in love. You became a steady girlfriend. You became a significant other. YOU BECAME SIGNIFICANT TO YOURSELF. Sooner or later, you start taking yourself seriously. You know when you need a break. You know when you need a rest. You know what to get worked up about and what to get rid of. And you know when it's time to take care of yourself, for yourself. To do something that makes you stronger, faster, more complete. Because you know it's never too late to have a life. And never too late to change one. JUST DO IT." – 1999</p> <p>"A WOMAN IS OFTEN MEASURED by the things she cannot control. She is measured by the way her body curves or doesn't curve, by where she is flat or straight or round. She is measured by 36-24-26 and inches and ages and numbers, by all the outside things that don't ever add up to who she is on the inside. And so if a woman is to be measured, let her be measured by the things she can control, by who she is and who she is trying to become. Because every woman knows measurements are only statistics and STATISTICS LIE." – 1994</p> <p>"All your life you are told the things you cannot do. All your life they will say you're not good enough or strong enough or talented enough, they'll say you're the wrong height or the wrong weight or the wrong type to play this or be this or achieve this. THEY WILL TELL YOU NO, a thousand times no until all the no's become meaningless. All your life they will tell you no, quite firmly and very quickly. They will tell you no. And YOU WILL TELL THEM YES." – Unknown</p> <p>"Too often we are scared. Scared of what we might not be able to do. Scared of what people might think if we tried. We let our fears stand in the way of our hopes. We say no when we want to say yes. We sit quietly when we want to scream. And we shout with the others, when we should keep our mouths shut. Why? After all,we do only go around once. There's really no time to be afraid. So stop. Try something you've never tried. Risk it. Enter a triathlon. Write a letter to the editor. Demand a raise. Call winners at the toughest court. Throw away your television. Bicycle across the United States. Try bobsledding. Try anything. Speak out against the designated hitter. Travel to a country where you don't speak the language. Patent something. You have nothing to lose and everything everything everything to gain. JUST DO IT." - 1992: Barry Sanders</p> Carrie Connorshttps://plus.google.com/107397991918507018563noreply@blogger.com0